Chat Rooms - Most schools do not allow students to use school computers to enter Internet Chat rooms. This is a popular use of home computer systems.

Chat rooms are ideal locations for pedophiles and sexual predators to frequent. The youngsters in the room have no idea of the real age, gender, or intentions of the chat participants. Without physical cues to work with predators can sit back and search for the most likely victims in relative anonymity. Once they befriend a child they cautiously acquire personal information, addresses and phone numbers. Eventually, they schedule a meeting.

Unfortunately, parents who would never think of letting an adolescent enter and spend large amounts of time in a room full of people they knew nothing about without the supervision of a chaperone think nothing of allowing their children to do the same thing electronically.

If schools decide to allow or sponsor chat rooms they should do so with all the safety preparation they would for a school dance or play. Adult supervision should be provided. Invitations sent, passwords assigned, etc.

Related Article 1: - Man Guilty of Online Smut Chat (Journal News 5/5/1999)