Why is there so much ho-ha about chat rooms at the moment

Asks martine

A. There has been a lot of press coverage about Internet chat rooms over the last week as the Government has just launched (on 3 December 2001) its first ad campaign (rumoured to have cost �1.5 million) warning of the potential dangers of children using Internet chat rooms - and it is hoped that the adverts will help parents out when explaining these dangers to their children.

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The Government has also produced a booklet for parents that is available from www.wiseuptothenet.co.uk or by phone on 0800 77 1234. The Booklet has been published in conjunction with ChildLine, Childnet International, the Internet Service Providers Association, the Internet Watch Foundation and the NSPCC.

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Q. What dangers do Internet chat rooms pose to children

A. The dangers that are currently being highlighted are mainly concerned with paedophiles - and how they use chat rooms to contact children. The Government's ad campaign - or public awareness campaign as it is officially called - is a result of recommendations made by the Task Force on Child Protection on the Internet which was established by the Home Office in March 2001. The Task Force is made up of representatives from the government, industry, the police and children's charities - and it reported to the Government in July 2001 that a public awareness campaign was needed that delivered clear and consistent safety messages, so that Internet users could enjoy the massive benefits of the Internet in safety.

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Q. What does the government recommend that parents should do to protect their children

A. The government booklet is very clear, concise and comprehensive in its treatment of the issues surrounding the use of chat rooms and the Internet in general - and for parents that are not au fait with the Internet themselves it even explains commonly used Internet jargon so that they know what they are talking about. It has separate sections on how to spot the problem, then how to act and manage it, organisations that can help and how to minimise any risk to your children while they are online.

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Some of the precautions it recommends include the following:

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(a) Explain to your children that you cannot tell who anyone is in a chat room and because of this there is a small risk that they can be used by criminals such as paedophiles who want to hurt children.

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(b) Explain that personal details (address, telephone number, email address etc.) should never be given out online under any circumstances.

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(c) It also recommends that you get involved with your child on the Internet, taking an interest in what they do online and helping them find interesting sites that are not just chat rooms.

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(d) If your child wants to meet a friend they have made online, you should go too - and meet in a public place.

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(e) Encourage your child to use chat rooms that are suitable for their age group. Some chat rooms are moderated, so everything is monitored by a third party - or it employs blocking software which does not allow offensive material on the website.

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It also advocates that all parents and children know and follow the THINK SMART guidelines:

T alk to your children about what they do online. Keep the dialogue going so they feel they can tell you if anything upsets them.

H elp your child understand the possible dangers and how they can keep themselves safe.

I nternet use is part of our new world. It’s useful, fun and educational. Used safely, it’s a force for good.

N egative experiences should be shared. Reassure your child that nasty things online are not their fault, and their Internet privileges will not be taken away.

K eep these safety tips handy, and discuss this booklet with your child.

S mart kids keep their details secret - NO giving out personal details, and NO meeting with online friends without a responsible adult being present.

M ake a "Favourites" folder with your child of agreed sites for him or her to visit.

A sk your ISP about the safety features it offers.

R emember there is lots of valuable safety advice you can give your child without being an Internet expert.

THINK SMART AND BE SAFE

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