Safe Chat for Teens

Safe Chatting

Personal Information

Don't share your full, name, address, phone number, email address, password, schedule, or other identifying information with anyone online. To prevent identity theft, you should also avoid sharing important data like social security numbers or credit card numbers.

Screen Names

• Don't use any variation of your real name as your screen name.
• You should also be careful not to use a screen name that gives away details about yourself. For instance, the name "SHSBandGeek" reveals your school and an extracurricular activity. Let slip what the S in SHS stands for during a seemingly innocent conversation about where you live, and you may have an unwanted visitor watching the marching band at a Friday night football game.
• Don't use a name that can be connected to your email address or instant messaging programs. It can be too easy to search for a screen name in AIM or add "@yahoo.com" in an attempt to make contact outside of the chat room.
• Avoid suggestive language or sexual innuendo in your screen name. You may think you're being flirty, but it can bring the wrong kind of attention from other chatters.

Profiles

If the chat site offers profiles, watch what you write. Make sure your profile isn't telling all while you're being careful about revealing information in chat rooms

Pictures

The best way to protect your anonymity online is to never use your real picture. If you want to connect a picture to your screen name, look for avatars and icons online featuring everything from you favorite movie stars to famous quotes. If you can't resist using your own picture, use a photo-editing program to blur the image or take an artistic shot of only a small portion of your face.

Files

While you're keeping yourself safe, make sure you keep your computer safe, too. If someone sends you a file or attachment while chatting, never open it without running an anti-virus scan first. It can be too easy to infect your program with malicious programs.

Finding Balance

Safe chat for teens isn't all about avoiding potential sexual predators and protecting your personal information. Chatting safely also involves balancing your online time with other pursuits, interests, and commitments. Don't neglect your homework or chores while spending hours in front of the computer. While it can be fun to meet new friends from around the world, don't forget about the friends in your own neighborhood. Spending too much time in front of the computer, like spending too much time in front of the television, can also lead to unhealthy snacks and a lack of physical activity.

Report Problems

If someone is making you uncomfortable online, tell your parents or a trusted adult.

Finding Safe Chat for Teens

What should you look for in a safe chat room for teens?

Moderators

Moderators can ensure the safety of a chat room by policing users and removing those who engage in inappropriate behavior. However, not all moderated sites offer the same amount of oversight. When a moderator is unavailable, some close the chat room while others offer unmoderated access.

Rules

A site's rules can set the tone for the entire chat room. Is profanity allowed? Does the site take action against bullying? For the best experience, only frequent chat rooms working to create positive atmospheres.

Security Measures

A few security features can create a better chatting experience. For instance, a chat room that hides users' IP addresses can make it harder for someone to figure out the location of another chatter. Sites that don't offer private chats can reduce the chance of engaging in inappropriate conversations.