Guidelines: Using Chat Rooms.
What are Chat Rooms?
Typically they are places where people meet that have similar interests. You can think of them as clubs. People meet to discuss the subject they are interested in, anything from stamp collecting to food and drink (including sharing recipes)! It is easy to get involved, be prepared to contribute to the discussion as well as 'listen' (although often one can actually listen).
Internet Chat rooms have been around for as long as the internet has been here. They are a great way of making new friends, and discovering new things as well as solving problems, such as the best way of cooking Dover sole! But be prepared for some lively discussion on that subject!
Why might this be a problem?
You will have heard a lot of horror stories on the news. Fortunately these events are rare, and like much of the internet, simple precautions will ensure that your chat experience, and that of your children, is safe and fun!
If one thinks of the internet as a large city, it is clear that not everywhere in London is a good place to go! Some places in New York for instance are definite ‘no go areas’ for the inexperienced. The same is true for the internet chat user. Most chat rooms are ‘clubs’, with the advantage that they cost nothing to join! Some are clearly aimed at definite adult themes. Where this is the case it is relatively easy to stay clear of and to prevent access (should that be desired). Unfortunately, even the safe areas of a city will contain those which mean no good! And it is to provide some means to avoid these not so pleasant places that these guidelines written.
Specific Guidelines:
The programs developed to enable you to chat with friends were never designed to be secure. That is the words you use are transmitted across the internet in such a way that anyone that wishes to can read what is said! This is also true of any password you use, so be aware of this also when you are chatting and using hotmail and yahoo accounts.
- Internet Chat rooms are fun places, be aware of where you are.
Use the Options / Preferences settings to record or archive conversations. - Use the preferences settings to filter strong language.
- Use the ‘ignore’ button for those who pester you.
- Give your children guidance on where they are allowed to go, and warn them of talking to strangers, especially about inappropriate topics of conversation.
- If possible, have the pc located in a room where you can keep a watchful eye over who they are talking to, and about what.
- Be careful about what you tell people, especially personal information such as your phone numbers and address (you can always use your microphone to talk to them over the net).
- Use your webcam only with people you know!
The single most effective piece of advice that can be given is simply; use your common sense, and have fun.
Family Seminar's
Many people have found that having an open and lively discussion helps to clarify the specific guidelines an individual family would find appropriate. For more information on this service please contact us.
We hope you have found this useful. If you want to discuss anything raised in these notes, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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