Safety section dedicated
to the memory of
Linda Franklin

Killed by the Washington DC area sniper
Intelligence Analyst
National Infrastructure Protection Center

DoDEA Teacher
 
 
 

Chat "Posers"
(that may not be a woman you're 
talking with)

Editorial Comment by Caryl
(some more excellent tips from a veteran 
chat user)

Handling Chat Room Abusers
(personal safety while in a chat room)

Internet Scams Article from Ask MSN
(don't be fooled by these scams)

Other Internet Scams
(Momswin.com, Grocerybiz.com and Others)

Meeting Someone In Person
(safety tips to make meeting a good experience)

Taking your online business offline.

Relocating after Meeting Someone Online
(take steps to protect yourself, before you move)

Julie Posey.  Cyber Crime Fighter and subject of the movie "Defending our Kids, The Julie Posey Story".

KIDS.GOV A new site, designed for children, and covering all aspects of children's activities online.

MISSINGKIDS.COM

Net Safe Kids.  Information site from The National Academy of Sciences.

FBI CRIME PREVENTION KIDS AND FAMILY INFORMATION

SAFEKIDS.COM USEFUL INFORMATION

THEGUARDIANANGEL.COM One of the most comprehensive (besides chatmag that is) site's devoted to Internet Safety.

WiredSafety.org  Site by Parry Aftab, one of the leading authorities in Internet Safety Issues. Also from Parry Aftab:

Wiredkids.org  The ultimate online safety project for kids, tweens and teens. 

Wiredcops.org  The Cyber Law Enforcement Organization is a network of law enforcement officers, who specialize in cybercrime investigation, training other law enforcement officers and who assist cybercrime victims online.

Datehookup.com
Are you looking into the dating scene? If so then  check out a free personals site where you can browse through singles in your area and find date ideas.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

    In doing the research for this section, I have found some excellent resources on the 'net, by the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and on the Federal Bureau of Investigation websites. Links to these sites follow this article.

    Internet chat can be a very good place for kids of all ages to meet other kids, and have fun chatting to other kids from around the world, or across the country.  My daughter has met some very nice friends on chat, and, so far, has not had any bad experiences in Chat. As an Internet Professional, I hope that she has benefited from my knowledge of the 'Net, but I realize that most parents are at best casual 'Net users, and some words of advise hopefully will go a long way to help make your kids chat experience a good one, and something that the family can share.

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. Chatmag recommends that children under 18 do not Blog.

   Some tips to safe chatting.

1.  Use kids chat sites, that are primarily focused on children.  IRC Networks are generally not suitable for children. There are many good children's chat networks, listed on our Kids Chat Topic page. 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. 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 phone number, address, school name, etc. 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,

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 parents right and duty to make sure you're safe.  Your parents will 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.  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 a 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 group 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.

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 a particular chat site, you can also email us at:  and we will attempt to contact the chat site owner, without revealing your information. All we need is 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 not 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 dowload 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 kids from all over that have the same interests and concerns, and it's a good way to keep in touch with your friends from school. Enjoy your time online, and do it safe.

Final Word

    I encourage 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.

New: Safety Questions and Answers. Post your question or answer in our Discussion Forum.

Please Note: Inclusion of the link to the FBI tips and KIDS.GOV pages does not constitute any endorsement by the FBI, or any other United States Government agency, either written or implied, of any content on Chatmag.com, and is provided here by Chatmag.com as a public service only. Chatmag.com however, wishes to thank the FBI, National Infrastructure Protection Center and The Federal Consumer Information Center for their continuing service to our country, and the safety of all.