How to Help Kids Chat via Webcam

Kids can use Webcams with parental guidance.

When you have relatives who live far away and you want to keep in touch with the entire family, you can do this via Webcam. Children can use Webcams to chat, too. Before teaching kids how to do this, it is important to explain that they cannot use the Webcam without a parent and that it can be dangerous to chat with people they do not know.

Instructions

1. Sign up for an instant messaging program such as Windows Live, AOL Instant Messenger or Yahoo Messenger. Download the program and complete the installation wizard. Use the "Find a Friend" option to add your relatives and friends.

2. Plug your camera into the computer, if necessary, and complete the installation. Restart your computer, leaving the camera plugged in. When the computer has restarted, launch the instant messenger program. Log into your account with your user name and password.

3. Open a chat window by clicking a name on your "Friends" list. Click the camera in the bottom corner of the window to launch your camera or access video chat through the main menu. Stay in the room while your child is chatting and set rules for when and how long she can use the Webcam to chat.

4. Install a parental control program or set up controls through the control panel on your computer. This allows you to monitor how and when the child is using the camera.

References

• Parent Dish; Video Chatting and Your Kids; May 2011
• Microsoft: Chat for free: Use Instant Messaging and Your Webcam to Stay in Touch; S.E. Slack