The Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs is releasing a computer program allowing youngsters to report indecent proposals online. The move comes under new laws for the protection of children and adolescents against sex crimes that are to take effect in January.

Under the revised laws, anyone coaxing children or adolescents online into the commercial sex faces up to one year in prison or a fine of up to W10 million (US$1=W1,176). The revision was prompted by the fact that 90 percent of the sex trade involving the underaged is initiated in chat rooms and elsewhere on the Internet.

The program, called "Youth Keeper," allows youngsters to report real time when they are being asked to engage in sex for money on the Internet.

It can be downloaded from the websites of various government agencies including the Health Ministry (www.mw.go.kr), the National Police Agency, the Education Ministry, and the Ministry of Gender Equality. Those reporting a case should keep in mind that they may be called in by the police if necessary and that false reports are punishable.