What is it?
A chat room is a place on the Internet where you can meet and chat with other people. Users may want to find others with common interests or just chat with random strangers.
Depending on the chat room, you may be able to exchange written messages instantly, talk into a microphone and perhaps show video of yourself using an Internet video camera (webcam).
How do they work?
Usually people register at chat room sites and log in to the room. They are free to chat with anyone else. In general there is no moderation and people can say what they like.
Why are chat rooms useful?
People use chat rooms to share information and discuss subjects of interest. They are usually free to use and members can remain anonymous or pretend to be someone they are not.
What do you need to keep in mind if your children are going into chat rooms?
Most chat rooms require users to be at least 14 years old. You need to be aware of what types of chat rooms your child is going into and who they are talking to. Always remind your child that the person they are chatting to could be making everything up.
Anything your child says in a chat room can be seen by anyone else in the room at that point in time.
Remind your child to:
- Not say anything they wouldn't want the public to know — this includes any personal information
- Never arrange to meet up with anyone they meet through a chat room unless they speak to you first
- Choose a handle (online computer nickname) that doesn't give away their real name or age
- Don't reveal their location or school and don't use photos in their school uniform
- If someone says or does something that makes them feel uncomfortable they should tell you.
Want to know more about chat rooms?
Some of the more popular chat rooms include:
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