Warning For Parents About On-line Chat Site
Have you heard about the newest fad on the Internet?
It already has 85,000 users and it is gaining momentum. It is called Chatroulette.com
If you have not heard of Chatroulette.com before, it is a new kind of online chat room. Two people at random meet up and can chat using your computer's built in microphone or a webcam if you have one.
It all sounds great until you check it out and realize the content is not appropriate for kids.
FUN COMES AT A PRICE – THE NEW ONLINE SIN CITY
FUN: Chatroulette can be a fun way to meet people all around the world
SIN CITY: But there is a dark side – it is quickly growing into an online sin city pushing the envelope on what you can get away with
TEST IT: If you think I'm overplaying it, go online and see for yourself
* I tested it myself and was not pleased at what is out there
YOUNG ADULTS: Colleges and universities are creating drinking games around Chatroulette.com
WIDE OPEN:
* The site is random and anonymous
* There is NO age verification required
* No registration is required
TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF CHATROULETTE
Chatroulette is a perfect reminder to talk to your kids about internet safety.
3 Quick Tips to keep them safe:
1. WALK THE TALK: Know the technology: Visit the Chatroulette site.
2. DON'T TALK TO STRANGERS
3. BLOCK THE BAD SITES: Consider blocking the website from all the family computers.
There are many options available to you to provide additional protections for your kids. We have highlighted just a few of those options:
BLOCK CHATROULETTE.COM (and other sites you deem inappropriate for your kids)
For PC Internet Explorer users:
1. Open Internet Explorer. In the Menubar click Tools → Internet Options → Content.
In the Content Advisor box, click Enable.
2. Click the Approved Sites tab. Enter the address of the website. If you want to block the complete website put * in front. For example to block Chatroulette completely, type *.Chatroulette.com. Click Never and then OK.
3. For more detailed instructions and information, please go to www.Microsoft.com.
For MAC users:
1. You can enable parental controls to give them access to only a limited list of sites. Go to: http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/family/
2. For more detailed instructions and information, please go to www.apple.com.
MONITORING WEBSITES –
Monitoring websites that your kids can view is a wonderful idea. This is getting easier to do thanks to improved options in software.
THE FREEBIES:
McGruff Online Safety: http://www.gomcgruff.com/m/index.asp
K9 Web Protection: http://www1.k9webprotection.com/
MONITORS FOR PURCHASE:
NetNanny – Net Nanny was one of the first services available. It allows a parent to monitor, restrict, and control your kids' access to the internet.
Content Watch – This offers content monitoring and filtering. Also provides spam blocking.
Zone Alarm Security Suite – Allows you to customize what you want to block. You can also create password protected features.
PG KEY – Allows you to insert a "Parental Guidance" key card into your computer and it provides online safety tools while your kids surf.
SEVERAL CHILD ONLINE SAFETY EXPERTS PROVIDE GREAT ADVICE AND TIPS:
WBTV: Check previous stories about protecting your kids online covered by WBTV.com
http://www.wbtv.com/Global/searchresults.asp?vendor=ez&qu=theresa+payton
Parent Advocate Sue Scheff :
http://www.suescheff.com/index.php
Linda Criddle – online consumer and kid safety expert
http://ilookbothways.com/
Dr. Michele Borba, Child Expert:
http://www.micheleborba.com
Mary Kay Hoal, Child Internet Safety Expert
http://internet-safety.yoursphere.com
Sources: WBTV, Chatroulette.com, Wikipedia, Youtube
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