Tips for safer chatting
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You've probably heard of Internet chat rooms where people meet online to exchange messages on a certain topic. You might have even participated in a few chats yourself. Chat rooms, where chats are held, are virtual places on the Internet where people can type messages that appear on other people's computers almost immediately. Chats are usually anonymous because 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. If you want to protect yourself when you're using IM, read Instant Messenger Safety and Privacy Tips. For information about chat rooms, read on.
Microsoft has two main avenues for online chats:
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Participate in informal chats on almost any subject with MSN Chat
With MSN Chat, you can participate in chats of a technical or non-technical nature. To protect you from spam, unwanted conversations, and advertisements, MSN Chat is now a subscription service. If you subscribe to any MSN service, you are eligible for MSN Chat. To find out more, visit the MSN Chat page.
There are other technical and non-technical chats on the Web. These are great places to discuss a certain topic with people all over the world. However, there are a few common sense tips to remember when you participate in chats.
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 SassySue 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 to chat. |
Chat rooms are a popular form of communication for kids. Unfortunately, predators know this. Therefore, online chats pose a particular threat for kids and teenagers. The five rules above apply to children and adults, but here are five additional tips specifically for parents of kids who want to participate in chat rooms. For more information, read Tips for Keeping Kids Safer Online.
5 chat room safety tips for kids
1. | Monitor your child's use of chat. Remember, kids can chat on Web sites or with 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." |
5. | Tell kids to stick to moderated chats. |