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>> Chat Safety
Before You Chat
Many chat sites have rules to follow, breaking these rules can result
in being kicked out of the chat or even being banned from entering
the chat again. Some sites also list etiquette guidelines, while
not following the rules of etiquette will most likely not get you
kicked out of the chat room, it may cause the room to become hostile
towards you. Chat etiquette usually includes things like not typing
in caps or private messaging someone without first asking in the
main room.
In
a Chat
Be careful of what you type in a chat. Because others can not hear
your voice or see your face, it is possible that your comments can
be misconstrued. Use "emoticons" and other chat expressions
wherever possible. If someone is annoying you, you can "Ignore"
them. Every chat and instant messenger has an "Ignore"
feature. If you don't know how to Ignore someone, read the chat's
help feature.
Chat
and Dating
Meeting other singles via online dating can be a lot of fun. You
should make sure that you are familiar with how to chat. Chatting
on the Internet can happen in chat rooms, or via instant messenger
programs. When you chat online, you will need to use a "handle"
or "nickname" to identify yourself. You may also be asked
to provide other details such as age, location, and interests. Providing
this extra information is optional.
Safety
Tips
Never say anything in a chat room that you would not say in public.
Never give out personal information, like your name, home address,
school address, where you'll be that afternoon, your telephone number,
your personal email address (give them a public address), or any
other information that could help someone figure out your actual
identity (or anyone else's). See our article on Chat Room Security
Some chats such
as DigiChats and IRC chats allow you to create your own chat room,
or channel. You can even create a private channel that no one can
see, so that you and your friends can chat in a private, harassment-free
channel. You can create a password for your channel as well. This
means that you can create a chat room for you and your friends,
and kick anyone out who joins in and acts in an offensive way.
Never
Meet in Person
Never arrange to meet someone in person who you have met online.
It may be tempting to get together with friends you have made online:
you may feel that your online friends really know and understand
you. However, meeting someone in person who you have met online
is the biggest threat to your safety. Remember, people you meet
online may not be who they say they are. If you feel that it is
appropriate to meet someone in person never go to the meeting by
yourself, and arrange to meet in a public place that you are familiar
with. Alternatively, you can arrange to meet the person in a group
of your own friends.
Basic
Chat room Safety:
Do not reveal information about yourself, your friends or family.
Chat only in chat rooms run by a reputable company or organization
that monitors activity.
Chat rooms are sometimes organized around topics, so avoid topics
that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Do not respond to messages that make you feel uncomfortable or frightened.
Do not arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you meet in a
chat room without informing a parent or other adult first.
Remember that some people are not always who they seem to be in
a chat room.
Be very careful about people who offer easy solutions to difficult
problems or make offers that are "too good to be true".
Be suspicious of anyone who tries to turn you against your parents,
teachers, or friends. They may have a hidden agenda. See our article
on Child Safety in Chat Guide.
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