| Kids and Safety in Chat Rooms and Web Logs (Blogs). Here, are some excellent resources on the net, by the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and on the Federal Bureau of Investigation websites. Internet chat can be a very good place for not only children to meet others, but for adults too. However, EVERYONE should be sure that they receive the benefits of clean safe chat. Casual 'Net users, and some words of advice will hopefully will go a long way to help make your chat experience a good one, and something that the family can share. First of all, PLEASE DO NOT USE FOUL LANGUAGE on "Chat With Keeba" whatever you do, DO NOT solicit children under the age of 21. Web logs, or 'Blogs, are also popular and pose a unique threat to children's safety. Blogs detail their personal habits, and could be used by predators to stalk children. "Chat With Keeba" recommends that children under the age of 21 not to use this site. Some tips to safe chatting 1. Use kids chat sites, that are primarily focused on children. ("Chat With Keeba" is NOT one of those sites or chat room.) IRC Networks are generally not suitable for children. There are many good children's chat networks that can be found by using your own search engine. Make sure there is more than just an email address to the chat network owner/operators. If possible, get a phone number to the company sponsoring the chat network. 2. Only use moderated chat rooms. ("Chat With Keeba" is NOT one of those sites or chat rooms.) Some chat rooms do not have monitors, or chat room operators. Rooms with moderators or operators provide some defense against unwanted or unsolicited messages from other users. 3. Do not give out any personal information. If someone should ask for your telephone number, address, school name, or other personal information, DO NOT answer! You also should not give out your Internet Service Provider supplied email address. There are several good anonymous email services available, such as Hotmail. Parents are encouraged to check their children's emails for inappropriate content, no matter which email service is utilized. 4. Stay in bounds. Most kids chat networks provide chat rooms for age groups. Try and stay within your age group, you'll find other kids that share your interests, and have more fun. A 9 or 10 year old would not be comfortable in a room for 17 to 18 year olds. ("Chat With Keeba" is NOT geared for nor is it recommended for ANYONE UNDER the age of 21.) 5. You have the right to say NO! Anytime you feel uncomfortable chatting with someone, you can either end the chat, or tell the person you do not talk about certain things. You always have the right to log out of chat, tell a chat room moderator/operator, or tell your parents! 6. Expect your parents to be watching. No job is more important than being a parent, and it is your parent's right and duty to make sure you are safe. Your parents may give you some freedom to talk privately with your friends, but they still have the responsibility to make sure your conversation remains away from any topic they do not approve of, or would do you harm. You'll understand this more when you have teenagers yourself :) 7. "Chat With Keeba" DOES NOT HAVE A CHAT LOG, but if you have the means to do so, Log your chats. Most chat networks provide some logging functions. It helps your parents by showing you are willing to log what you say in chat and that you can be trusted. Also, should someone say something obscene or harmful to you, you then have that record to turn over to the chat network moderator/operator, or in extreme cases, to law enforcement for investigation. 8. Do NOT arrange to meet anyone from this chat room or ANY other chat room. Never take a chance on your safety. The only exceptions would be if you belong to a chat room operated by a local group, such as your Boy or Girl Scout troop, church organization or other local groups that you meet with off line. If anyone attempts to arrange a meeting with you, tell your parents immediately. They can contact the local authorities for further instructions. Online predators are very slick in their methods, they often look for kids that do not have a lot of friends, are sad, lonely, or come from one parent households. They usually masquerade as another teenager, in order to get you to talk with them. Or, they may pose as another adult, even saying they "moderate" the chat room, and help others. They will attempt to become your friend, telling you that they understand your problems and want to help. If this person is a legitimate moderator or chat room operator, they should be trained as to what they can and cannot say. A good number of chat rooms have moderators that do an excellent job of operating and keeping the room safe for users. "Chat With Keeba" is NOT a moderated chat room. If you are unsure who is a moderator, contact the chat room web site, do not message anyone in the chat room itself. Send an email to the webmaster, explaining your concern regarding an individual. If you have a concern about THIS PARTICULAR site, contact Keeba at KSmith023@yahoo.com. Report the chat room name and network, and the individuals nickname. We do not need your information, and other than your return email address, your name/nickname is required. 9. Do not open any attachments to emails or sent to you in a chat session. A lot of computer viruses are spread by email. Also, do not click on any web site link someone may send you in a chat room or instant message. Web sites can be infected with various kinds of malicious programs such as worms, trojan horses, etc. that automatically download and install. If a friend sends you a web site address that you are not sure of, check with your parents before going to the site. 10. Have Fun! Chat is a great way to meet and make new friends from around the world. You will find others from all over that have the same interests and concerns, and it's a good way to keep in touch with your family and friends. Enjoy your time online, and do it safe. Final Word It is encouraged you as parents to get involved in your kids online time, and take some real interest in what they do and see on the 'Net. Don't let the computer and the 'Net become a substitute for your guidance and participation. Return to Chat With Keeba |
| To contact the chat room moderator for "Chat With Keeba" send an email to KSmith023@yahoo.com |
