ТМ Г. XXXVIII Бр. 1 Стр. 417-431 Ниш јануар - март 2014. UDK 004.738.5:343 Прегледни рад Siniša G. Minić  Примљено: 15.3.2012. University of Priština, temporarily Ревидирана верзија: 15. 10. 2013. seated in Kosovska Mitrovica Одобрено за штампу: 18. 2. 2014. Teacher Training Faculty Leposavić Žaklina Spalević Singidunum University Belgrade ABUSE OF COMPUTER NETWORKS IN CYBER SPACE: THE ROLE OF FAMILY IN THE MODERN INFORMATION AGE  Abstract The Internet introduced a global change in the methods and speed of commu- nication, exerting significant influence on the quality of life of a "common individ- ual". This influence can be observed in all spheres of social life in our environment. Nevertheless, positive and constructive achievements of modern information technol- ogy also caused a series of problems related to the emergence and expansion of di- verse forms of computer crime. This is a relatively new form of criminal behavior that exhibits major phenomenological diversity and that cannot be defined by a single definition. Even though certain definitions have been adopted, the phenomenon of cyber crime has appeared as a much broader concept. There are numerous documents that classify various forms of cyber crime. The fact is that uncontrolled and aimless use of the Internet implies numerous dangers. Internet abuse is often associated with pornography, which implies that various websites with illegal content also influence the long-term "poisoning" of children. Despite the primary and essential role of the parents, the support of all social segments is necessary in order to raise collective awareness through media and educational campaigns dedicated to youth and children, all for the purpose of providing information about potential Internet abuses and meth- ods of safe usage. Key words: Computer Networks, Cyber Space, Cyber Crime, Internet Abuse, Internet Pedophilia  sinisa.minic@pr.ac.rs  This paper was supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia under the project TR32023