The ongoing trial in Tournai for grooming, which involves an adult making sexual advances towards a minor using electronic communication, highlights the dangers of the internet. Eric Goffard, the Digital Alderman of Charleroi, recognizes the issue of online safety and the need for intervention in schools, as well as protecting older people from internet scams. Raising awareness through collaboration with the Aldermen of Education and Seniors, along with contacting operators like the Ener’J Centre, is crucial to address the problem. Personal caution is also necessary, especially regarding suspicious internet addresses. Digital inclusion is important, but more attention and action must be taken in the prevention of cybercrime to avoid future cases like the ongoing trial in Tournai.
The trial for grooming (the fact for an adult to make sexual proposals to a minor of fifteen years or to a person presenting himself as such by using an electronic means of communication) which is currently taking place in Tournai highlights the dangers the use of the web.
In Charleroi, Eric Goffard, Digital Alderman, says he is sensitive to this issue and the good behavior to adopt. Not only is this a problem that affects young people, hence the need to intervene, particularly in schools, but older people are also affected by scams via the Internet. “We must continue to raise awareness within schools and this in collaboration with the Aldermen of Education and Seniors and also call on operators such as the Ener’J Centre. It would be a mistake to think that this phenomenon is confined to schools. It is therefore wise to draw the attention of parents and those around young people in general. ”
With a view to prevention, during the last digital inclusion fair, one of the specialists of the Crime Unit was invited to give his advice on the conscientious use of social networks or the risks of scams to the detriment of people. elderly.
Even if concrete projects are not yet on the table, reflection on raising awareness remains topical. “We considered our aldermanship with the whole theme of protection and support for the user through awareness-raising, in particular the various contacts we have with the associative world. Moreover, cases such as the one currently taking place in Tournai encourage us to go further. We must, from there, continue the reflection aimed at all audiences. ”
The Alderman insists on the greatest caution to be adopted in the face of what might be suspicious such as extended internet addresses. “We always imagine that cybercrime is related to firewalls, antivirus or other technological aspects, but not at all. Cybercrime is a new form of fraud, for example by means of an e-mail. It is important to make it clear to the public that it is first the human who is in question before the technology. It’s just that before we were just fooled by someone approaching us on the street on the street and now it’s via email, chat or call.
Although one of the spearheads is digital inclusion, particular attention still needs to be paid to cybercrime. Admittedly, awareness is very important, but action on the ground and more frank warnings must be initiated, otherwise other cases of the type currently on trial will occur. Acting upstream might avoid such sordid events.
The trial in Tournai serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of the internet, particularly for vulnerable young people. As Eric Goffard, Digital Alderman in Charleroi notes, the issue of grooming and cybercrime affects people of all ages and requires continued vigilance and education. While raising awareness is crucial, it is equally important to take action on the ground and implement stronger warnings to prevent further cases like those currently on trial. By acting proactively, we can work towards a safer and more responsible online community for all.
