Internet Chat Room Guidelines for parents

What are Chat Rooms?
Chat Rooms are an area of the the internet where people can exchange information on a number of subjects including music, sports, computers, politics etc. The chat rooms can 'enable' communications either on a 1 to 1 basis or 1 to many, and unlike email, the process takes place in real time, with virtually no delay. Some ISPs offer 'moderated' chat rooms (such as AOL) where offensive material is monitored - the rest is a free-for-all.

What are the problems?
The main concern is that the identity of an individual is masked by the internet ('on the internet nobody knows you are a dog'). There are numerous examples of teenagers thinking they are forming relationships with other teens, but it then transpires that one of the parties is in fact a middle-aged man with less than honest intentions. This has been widely reported in the press on both sides of the Atlantic.

What should I do?
This information is geared to parents. You have always taught your children to be wary of strangers - the same is true of the internet. The dangers are no less simply because they are electronic!
 

1. Hang on to your personal information - never give out your e-mail or home address, phone number or where you go to school.

2. Arranging to meet is dangerous. Never meet someone offline unless you are sure who they are, and then in a public place with a parent or carer.

3. Tell your friends or an adult if you come across something that makes you feel uncomfortable.

4. Schools - don't post pictures of children with their names to your web-sites.

5. Parents - don't allow your children to run their computers from their bedrooms - keep the internet connection in the living room. This is not a case of snooping, but a vital safeguard against pornography and potentially dangerous situations.

6. TRUST is earned - don't take it for granted.