Surprise: Believe it or not, old-fashioned chat rooms are still around, and these resources allow users to communicate quickly with many different users at the same time. There are lots of different sites available to kids that provide discussion forums focused on different topics as well. Today, chat rooms primarily serve as a group hangout, and one typically enjoyed in mixed company. As we point out in Parenting High-Tech Kids: The Ultimate Internet, Web, and Online Safety Guide, parents may wish to steer children clear of them for this reason, knowing that, as an alternative, many trusted programs allow kids to converse with familiar friends via computer without potentially exposing them to strangers’ scrutiny.
One of the evolutions of the chat room now is the video chat room. Video chat is a way for kids to communicate “face-to-face” with others using webcams or other streaming media solutions to broadcast video to other parties in real time. Upsides of videoconferencing are potentially considerable, from letting doting grandparents who live out of state watch their grandkids grow to staying in touch with mom and dad when they’re traveling on business trips.
A variety of videoconferencing programs can all help us stay connected, and bring the world closer together. Video chat is also being used as a tool in classrooms around the country and around the world, exposing kids to different cultures, languages and guest speakers that they otherwise might not get to experience without the aid of teleconferencing. In addition, there are networks that provide kids with the ability to easily broadcast their own streaming TV show, all thanks to the possibilities allowed by the widespread availability of webcams with streaming capability.
But just as there is great positive potential that can be recognized from video chat, it’s easy to see how kids can get in trouble using it as well. On many of these services, you may find kids who are bored or curious that start broadcasting themselves via webcam only to end up being taunted, teased or propositioned by viewers. Others may choose to engage in behavior (e.g. that of a juvenile, rude or sexualized nature) that’s inappropriate for public consumption – and potentially preserved on video for eternity for the world to easily share and see. Likewise, there are also programs which can match up users with webcams randomly with other webcam users for impromptu conversations. Considerable caution should be utilized when access to these tools and services are provided, and kids educated as to prospective dangers.
In addition to basic safety and digital citizenship tips, remember to teach kids who videoconference to remove all items which may contain identification or personal information from the backdrop when conversing with unknown parties. (If you allow them to chat with strangers at all, which we recommend you don’t.) Likewise, they should know to unplug the camera or utilize the computer’s built-in privacy shield when not in use. Under no circumstance should your webcam be aimed or activated in such a way that it displays telling information about you or your home, or that compromises household members’ privacy.
Looking for more information on the subject? You’ll find additional details in Parenting High-Tech Kids: The Ultimate Internet, Web, and Online Safety Guide.
Keenly-attuned to fashion, travel, and nightlife trends, assistant editor T.T.’s encyclopedic knowledge of bars and restaurants remains unrivaled – and her word is gospel when it comes to Sunday brunch. Our resident trivia night expert and staff humorist, she’s only been banned from one karaoke joint (that we know about). Also: Dog is her co-pilot.
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