How to Practice Chat Room Safety

Safety should always be practiced in chat rooms. Some chat rooms require that people be over eighteen, but ideally that is the age people should be when chatting online anyway. People under eighteen should only use specialized chat rooms for kids because many predators can lurk on the Internet. This is not to say kids are not safety conscious and tech savvy, but there have been many children who were charmed by online predators and did not tell their parents until it was too late. Thus, it is best that people under eighteen only use chat rooms that are designed for children.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer
• An Internet connection

1. Many chat rooms require that people are over the age of eighteen to use the service, so monitor the web sites your kids use.

2. Make up a fun screen name and do not give out your real name or personal information to strangers online.

3. Try to find specialized chat rooms about topics that you enjoy, such as: knitting, painting, drawing, sports, travel, or romance.

Tips & Warnings

• People should be over the age of eighteen when using chat rooms.
• People under the age of eighteen should use chat rooms designated for children.
• Monitor your child's computer use.
• Keep the computer in the family room so you can see what is on the screen at all times.
• Do not give out personal information to strangers.

Resources

• Chat Room Safety
• When Chat Rooms Help Save The Day

[Bearie23]

on 4/19/2009 Glad you enjoyed these chatting tips.

[Delaplane]

on 4/19/2009 Great advice on how to practice chat room safety!