Chat Safety
- Before You Chat
Many chat sites have rules to follow, breaking these rules can result in being kicked out of the chat or even being banned from entering the chat again. Some sites also list etiquette guidelines, while not following the rules of etiquette will most likely not get you kicked out of the chat room, it may cause the room to become hostile towards you. Chat etiquette usually includes things like not typing in caps or private messaging someone without first asking in the main room. - In a Chat
Be careful of what you type in a chat. Because others can not hear your voice or see your face, it is possible that your comments can be misconstrued. Use “emoticons” and other chat expressions wherever possible. If someone is annoying you, you can “Ignore” them. Every chat and instant messenger has an “Ignore” feature. If you don’t know how to Ignore someone, read the chat’s help feature. - Chat and Dating
Meeting other singles via online dating can be a lot of fun. You should make sure that you are familiar with how to chat. Chatting on the Internet can happen in chat rooms, or via instant messenger programs. When you chat online, you will need to use a “handle” or “nickname” to identify yourself. You may also be asked to provide other details such as age, location, and interests. Providing this extra information is optional. - Safety Tips
Never say anything in a chat room that you would not say in public. Never give out personal information, like your name, home address, school address, where you’ll be that afternoon, your telephone number, your personal email address (give them a public address), or any other information that could help someone figure out your actual identity (or anyone else’s). - Never Meet in Person
Never arrange to meet someone in person who you have met online. It may be tempting to get together with friends you have made online: you may feel that your online friends really know and understand you. However, meeting someone in person who you have met online is the biggest threat to your safety. Remember, people you meet online may not be who they say they are. If you feel that it is appropriate to meet someone in person never go to the meeting by yourself, and arrange to meet in a public place that you are familiar with. Alternatively, you can arrange to meet the person in a group of your own friends. - Basic Chat room Safety:
Do not reveal information about yourself, your friends or family.
Chat only in chat rooms run by a reputable company or organization that monitors activity.
Chat rooms are sometimes organized around topics, so avoid topics that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Do not respond to messages that make you feel uncomfortable or frightened.
Do not arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you meet in a chat room without informing a parent or other adult first.Remember that some people are not always who they seem to be in a chat room.
Be very careful about people who offer easy solutions to difficult problems or make offers that are “too good to be true”.Be suspicious of anyone who tries to turn you against your parents, teachers, or friends. They may have a hidden agenda.