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What Can I Do? |
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What if something
unpleasant happens while they are actually in a chat room? |
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They can leave the
chat room. Alternatively, chat rooms usually offer the
option to block messages from other users. So if someone
repeatedly types things your child does not like they can block
them from their computer screen. Some chat rooms also let
you report abusive behaviour by clicking on an appropriate link. |
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How do you tell if a chat
room is suitable? |
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Chat rooms are
given names, such as "Teenage Romance". Teenagers should
be encouraged to use only those rooms that are appropriate to
their age. This is because so-called "adult" chat rooms
are sexually explicit, where people indulge in what is known as
"cybersex". This can be anything from talking dirty to the
exchange of explicit or pornographic material, including the use
of images on webcams. Although it is not necessarily
illegal, it is definitely an area for adults only. |
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How can I encourage my
child to use appropriate chat rooms? |
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At the top of your
internet browser, which is the technology that lets you navigate
the internet, there will probably be the word "Favourites".
This lets you add to a folder web addresses that you often use
or do not want to forget. You could save the address of
child-friendly chat rooms here and agree with your child that he
or she will use only these. |
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Wouldn't it be better to
avoid using the internet altogether? |
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Not at all.
Despite the potential for problems, it really is an amazing tool
for learning and information. Knowing how to use it
effectively is increasingly important and necessary.
What's more, chatting online, or Instant Messaging can be a way
to cut your phone bill if you have free or low-cost internet
access in the evenings or at weekends. If you overreact,
your child may clam up or simply use the internet elsewhere.
Just drive home the safety messages so your child can feel
confident about protecting him or herself. |
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If I see something illegal
or suspicious is there anyone I can report it to? |
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Yes. If you
think your child is being contacted by a paedophile call the
police. If you come across material you think is illegal -
eg child pornography - contact the Internet Watch Foundation.
This is an industry-funded body which seeks to have illegal
material removed from the internet and refers it on to the
police. You can
report it online at
www.iwf.org.uk/hotline/report.htm.
Alternatively, contact the police Child Pornography Information
Line website:
www.met.police.uk/scd/specialist_units/child_abuse_helpline.htm. |
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Why don't ISPs (Internet
Service Providers) do something about chat rooms? |
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ISP's provide the
connection to the internet just as a telephone company provides
access to the phone lines. They cannot control what other
companies put on the internet any more than a telephone company
can control what people say on the phone but some ISPs run their
own, sometimes more regulated, chat rooms and they and other
chat service providers should be happy to explain any safety
features which their services have. Don't be afraid to
ask. |
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