Chat rooms are virtual places on the Internet where people can type messages that will appear on other people's computers almost immediately.
Chats are usually anonymous since the participants use nicknames to identify themselves.
Many people refer to instant message (IM) conversations as "chatting," but there is a slight difference between IM and chat.
IM usually refers to a conversation between two people, whereas chat is a conversation with a group.
Tip: You can use IM programs like Windows Live Messenger to chat with an invidual or a group.
5 safety tips for chat rooms
1.
Never give out your personal information in a chat room.
2.
Never agree to meet a stranger in person whom you met in a chat room.
3.
When you're asked to enter or sign up for a chat nickname, choose a name that doesn't give away your personal information. For example, you might use SavvySue instead of DetroitSue.
4.
Be wary of other chatters who ask you to meet in private chat rooms.
5.
Check the terms and conditions, code of conduct, and privacy statement at the chat site before you begin chatting.
Chat rooms are a popular form of communication for kids. Unfortunately, predators know this. Therefore, chatting poses a particular threat for kids and teenagers.
Monitor your child's use of chat. Remember, kids can participate in chats using Web sites, chat software programs, cell phones, and even some online games.
2.
Tell your child that if something in a chat room makes them feel uncomfortable, they should immediately leave the chat room and tell an adult.
3.
Insist that your child never send photographs of themselves to anyone they meet in a chat room.
4.
Learn the chat lingo. Kids often communicate using shorthand. For example, POS means "Parent over Shoulder."
Many online games now allow you to chat with other players as you compete.
Xbox Live even allows you to chat live with a headset using your own voice. This is not recommended for younger children.
The parental controls allow you turn off live voice chat as well as turn off the ability for kids to make purchases online.
To get to the parental controls:
1.
Turn on the Xbox.
2.
Click settings.
3.
Choose Parental Controls.
Even if you think your child is old enough to use the voice chat feature, you still might not want anyone knowing how young she is or even that she is a she at all.
Xbox Live contains a feature that allows you to mask your voice. You can select a mask that changes your voice to that of a robot or an adult.
