Connexions Greater Merseyside

Chat Rooms

 The internet is important to the lives of  young people of all ages. It opens up new opportunities and is now an essential part of every day life whether using it for homework, to talk and share materials with friends or for loads of other uses that are helpful in so many ways.

Chat rooms are great fun, but be careful: don’t fall victim to a chat room nuisance. Remember:

• People online may not be who they say they are
• Never give out personal information: i.e. your e mail or home address or where you go to school
• Never meet someone in person you’ve met on line unless you are absolutely certain who they are and then only in a public place and take along someone you can trust e.g. a parent or carer, elder brother or sister or friend.
• If you find something on line that you don’t like tell someone you can trust.

The best way to avoid nuisances is to use a moderated chat room.

These are monitored and the monitors can ban any nuisances. An example of a moderated chat rooms is: www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/chat

There is a website where you can read up on different aspects of internet safety. www.thinkyouknow.co.uk It explains different terminology, explores some of the specific dangers that young people could face and provides practical advice and guidance that should make the online experience safer for all.