Web cameras have been available for more than a decade. But thanks to the increasing use of broadband connections, the ability to send video messages between computers is now a smooth and simple experience.
Popularly known as webcams, their most common use is for communicating visually over the Internet and seeing a live, moving image of the person you are talking to-similar to a business videoconference. They can also be used to record video messages that can be sent later.
One reason webcams have become popular with families is that they allow more intimate conversations with friends and relatives across long distances. Webcams can also be used to monitor locations such as a house, a car-park or a shop for security purposes.
But like all new products that can link you to the online world, webcams can be misused. They allow other people to see what you are doing, where you are, and what you look like.
While children and teenagers often know far more about new technology than their parents, the unfortunate truth is that online predators are lurking out there, and children are still vulnerable online-particularly when left unsupervised.
There is a large community of people who use webcans for pornographic purposes. Sometimes the very term 'webcam' is used as slang to indicate material of a sexual nature. The words 'adult webcam' almost certainly mean you are headed towards explicit material.
Unfortunately some people try to persuade children and teenagers to perform illicit acts in front of the camera. This is a criminal offence and is treated as a sexual assault on a child or minor. If you suspect this is happening, you should contact the police immediately. Both state and federal police have dedicated teams to deal with online predators, working in conjunction with police in other countries.
If your children are asking you to buy a webcam, it's worth asking what it will be used for, and where it will be used. Think carefully about whom your children could be talking to and what they can see. You may choose to place the computer where you can easily see your kids using it.
While it is relatively easy to disconnect a webcam and put it away in a safe place, some computers come with a camera already built in. However, you can often disable a built-in device using the computer's software.
If you do have a built-in webcam, you may be able to control access to it by using a password. But remember, software designed to filter or block websites with pornography, violent material or obscene text won't be much use for controlling a webcam.
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