Internet Connect Inc. of Edmonton pulled 15 newsgroups from their service that offered digital child pornography and bestiality. The effects of this kind of abuse on children can be devastating. The harm has been compared to that of the damage caused by incest or sexual molestation. Children feel an overwhelming sense of guilt and shame. The knowledge that their images are being distributed to who knows where is very frightening.
Pornography poses an even greater threat to the child than does sexual abuse or prostitution.
A child who has posed for the camera must go through life knowing that the recording is circulating within the mass distribution system for child pornography. They may see themselves as objects to be sold rather than people who are important. Pornography has a direct relationship to child abuse. Pedophiles see their desires on video and this validates their feelings for them. This means that future abuse is more likely.