Compiled by: Michelle Siefker Chat Danger Keeping our Kids Safe Online I am so much cooler online Click Here:A light hearted way to delveA light hearted way to delve into the dangers of online chatting... Now, lets get serious... Ways to Chat Chat Rooms Social Networking Sites (Facebook, MySpace) Game Chat (xbox, Club Penguin, Webkins)Instant Messenger (AIM, Yahoo, Skype) Digital Natives Children are digital natives...they have grown up with tons of technology. Internet tools are not only helpful, they are necessary and inevitable in todays world. The Internet can be dangerous if children do not learn safety rules at a young age. Adults need to be aware of the dangers. Technology shouldnt be forbidden- just monitored. Chat Rooms and Instant Messaging PROS of Chatting: You can get to know another person with similar interests. Many will speak up online when they are normally too shy to communicate face to face. CONS of Chatting: You dont know who you are talking to...it could be a child predator. You might give away personal information that could harm you or your family. Children think it is okay to talk through, as long as they dont meet face to face. But, they may end up give away personal information that leads to an unwanted face to face meeting. Social Networking Sites Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Personal Blogs Personal information is posted, causing a predator to easily identify you and harm you physically or financially. Pictures make a predators job MUCH easier! Although many sites discourage children to obtain an account, many are technologically savvy enough to create one anyway. There are some very important things that you need to keep in mind when you're on your computer at home or at school. First, remember never to give out personal information such as your name, home address, school name, or telephone number in a chat room or on bulletin boards. Also, never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with on the computer without your parent's permission. Never write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared. Do not meet someone or have them visit you without the permission of your parents. Tell your parents right away if you read anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable. Remember that people online may not be who they say they are. Someone who says that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could really be an older man. Lets keep our children safe... Time to Explore Some Internet Resources Follow the links at the bottom of the following pages Chat Danger- A great tool for kids Click Here: Video about Child Chat Rooms Click Here:eaQ Safe Kids- Resources Click Here: Frontline Video: Growing Up Onlinedsonline/ Wired Safety-Resources Click Here: The End