(CS) More than half of survey respondents believe that Luxembourg tourists abroad are involved in sex tourism with minors.

The study on sex tourism and child pornography was commissioned by the Luxembourg brach of ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography & Trafficking of Children).

The study consulted a representative group of 1,007 people aged 18 or over who are resident in Luxembourg.

While the majority categorically deemed sex tourism involving minors as unacceptable, some 56 percent nonetheless think that Luxembourg tourists are at least occasionally sex tourists abroad.

Respondents also had quite a clear picture of sex tourists, with the majority saying they are richer, older men with an average level of education, who are married with children.

Meanwhile, 98 percent of respondents said it was important that tourism operators help fight sex tourism involving minors, for example by discontinuing co-operations with hotels tolerating sex tourism, alerting police, raising awareness among customers and distributing information material.

Striking difference between perception and reality

The study also revealed that some 21 percent of respondents had accidentally stumbled across child pornography on the internet.

However, while 55 percent of those who had not found child pornography on the internet said they would alert the police if they did, only 3 percent of those who actually saw the images online did so.

Those who had not seen pornographic material involving children online stated a series of other steps they would take should this ever happen. Only 4 percent said they would do nothing.

Meanwhile, of those who had accidentally found child pornography on the web, a whopping 45 percent did not take any action. While 48 percent merely updated the security settings on their computer.

Public want more action by public authorities

While most respondents felt that children were at risk of seeing violent or pornographic images online, or becoming victims of cyberbullying, grooming or pornography, they also said they were trying to make their children aware of the risks of the internet, as well as installing child protection software. Some 33 percent even said that their children are only allowed to use the internet under supervision.

Despite these assessments, some 62 percent nonetheless felt that public authorities are active in the fight against the sexual exploitation of children.

However, 86 percent also said that public authorities could do more, for example increasing awareness campaigns, supporting NGOs, charities and victims, as well as reinforcing legislation on the matter and launching more police inquiries.