Kids Are Our Future

A chat room is a virtual online room, set up according to interest or subject, such as gaming or a favorite TV show. It is one of the most popular destinations on the Web, especially for kids and teens.

However, there are hazards to chat rooms for kids. Some incidents have been reported. Kids met “friends” who were interested in exploiting them through chat rooms. These “friends” with malicious intention to kids pose as teenagers in chat rooms prod their online acquaintances to exchange personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers, which puts the kids they are chatting with, and the kids’ families at risk. Although many kids have been told by parents not to give out their home phone numbers, the cunning offenders may encourage kids to call them, and then instantly have the kids’ phone numbers by caller id.

It’s important that parents keep the Internet medium in perspective. Just like any safety issue, it’s a good idea to talk with our kids about our concerns, take advantage of resources to protect them from potential dangers, and keep a close eye on their online and offline daily activities.

Most parents agree that internet helps kids acquire skills and information needed to succeed in school, as well as helping them learn about the things that most interest them and about different cultures. In order to let kids take advantage of internet safely, parents need to get involved in kids online activities. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Encourage kids to discuss with parents on what they read, see and think on the Internet.
2. Set family rules about what kids can do on the computer and internet; make sure the web sites kids visit meets parental standards.
3. Keep the computer in an open area, where kids’ activities can be monitored.
4. Learn computer and internet basics, and learn how to block inappropriate material.
5. Spend time online together to teach kids appropriate online behavior.
6. Use technology tools to help kids to surf internet safely.

• Follow the family rules set for kids internet use.
• Never reveal and never trade personal information, such as name, address, phone number, photographs or school name or location. Use an online screen name.
• Never agree to meet any “online friend” in person. Explain that online friends may not be who they say they are.
• Trust their instincts, always tell a parent about any communication that was scary, and never respond to a threatening email or message.
• Teach kids that on the Internet, the virtual world is the same as real life. For example, not everything they read or see online is true.
• Respect the property of others online. Explain that making illegal copies is just like stealing things from a store.