Films and Publications Act receives support in cracking down child predators on Mxit

29 March 2010

The Film and Publication Board (FPB) welcomes the recent announcement by the popular next generation social network, Mxit, to curb illegal activities of posting pornographic or explicit materials within its platforms. The decision by Mxit to crack down child predators is in compliance with the Films and Publications Act.

Section 24 of the Films and Publications Act holds the owners and operators of all telecommunication channels targeted at and used by children responsible for the content created and distributed within those mediums. They (owners and operators) are required to take the necessary steps in ensuring that their services are not used by any persons for committing offences on children; as evidence and real life experiences points to the fact that some of these mediums are used as platforms for sexual abuse, exploitation and grooming of children.

“Mxit’s zero-tolerance policy against paedophilia and paedophiles on their platforms and society at large is commendable; it comes at a crucial time when children are most likely to be drawn to social networking platforms during and after the 2010 soccer world cup. We also hope and trust that other industry players will soon follow Mxit’s example and protect the country’s assets its children,” said Ms Yoliswa Makhasi, Chief Executive of the FPB.

A research study conducted by FPB (2008) explored the occurrence and impact of non-contact sexual abuse through internet and cell phones. The study revealed that 54 percent of the participants stated to have received pictures from someone else on a chat room and some had the experience of somebody in a chat room attempting to arrange a meeting with them. This was reported more by girls than boys. In addition, research findings published in the American Psychologist, Volume 63, No.2, p.111-128, suggested that the traditional view that online ‘predators’ prey on naïve children using trickery and violence is largely inaccurate and children are openly seduced. Children participating in the FPB research study confirmed this by indicating that the requests made by strangers online was open and direct , as stated by a girl between 10 to 12 years old “a guy asked me to send a picture of my private parts”.

Given the above, the FPB fully supports Mxit’s CEO, Mr Herman Heunis’s plea urging users not to exchange personal information with strangers. Members of the public are also reminded that they have an obligation to report any knowledge of child pornography incidences to the police or contact FPB on 0800 148 148 or http://www.fpbprochild.org.za

Enquiries:
Sibo Myeni
Cell: 082 307 4708
E-mail: smyeni@fpb.gov.za

Issued by: Film and Publication Board
29 March 2010