Parents, If You Have Teens Instant Messaging, You Can't Afford Not To Read This

Is there such a thing as safe instant messaging for kids

? In short the answer is No. Online predators are around every corner ready to take advantage of kids, and statistics show this is only getting worse. You can immediately reduce the risks to your kids, by learning which instant message providers they are using and ensuring that the providers, and your kids are following some simple rules.

Instant Messaging in on the rise. 15 million youth now use it world wide, and this is growing all the time. Instant messaging or IM, as it is known, is communication by sending short instant messages to friends in real time. Children have been quick to adapt and recognize the fun and positive value instant messaging can have. However, instant messaging dangers are real. The anonymity of being online means that intimacy and trust can develop quickly, especially for trusting teenagers and children.

89% sexual solicitations are made in either instant messages or chat rooms

75% youth who received an online sexual solicitation did not tell a parent.

Unfortunately online sex predators and stalkers have taken advantage of these instant messaging sites for a number of reasons. They are anonymous, hence it allows them to manipulate and potentially isolate a child by using false information, with the hope of meeting them in person or sending them objectionable content. Online predators can contact a child through member directories and profiles. Once befriended they can know exactly when they are online.

There are many instant message service providers out there, so it is important to ensure your child is using a well reputed, quality service that looks out for the well-being of your child. So how would you know?

Firstly, find out which instant message services your kids are using, there may be more than one, and make sure the service provides the following:

1. Clear information about the type of instant message service is being offered. Is it an open community type environment where people with similar hobbies/interests can meet and discuss them, or is it a one on one messaging service for friends and buddies. What age group is the service aimed at?

2. An option to only receive messages from people who the user chooses from their friends or buddy list?

3. A BLOCK or IGNORE function so your child can easily block unwanted messaging? It must clearly describe what it is and how to use it.

4. Is there a way for your child to easily save any messages you they may want to show you or report.

5. If users are asked to give personal information from the provider, it should be extremely clear whether it will be visible in a public domain.

6. Information about keeping safe online should be easily available, and should emphasize the risks of communicating with strangers and swapping personal information. There should also be links to online safety guides and third party websites.

7. Information clearly describing what should be reported and provide assistance on what to do with unwanted messages or attention.

8. There must be a contact service to report bad behavior that is easy to find and implement.

9. If a serious incident does occur the instant message provider should have information easily assessable, on how to contact law enforcement and child protection services.

The Only Way to Keep Your Children Safe

Lets be realistic, your child may not always be completely honest with you, or may feel embarrassed or ashamed to tell you if they get into trouble- be it by unwanted attention, wanted attention by the wrong person, or cyber bullying or stalking.

The ONLY way to keep your children completely protected from online dangers, apart from not letting them use the computer, is to monitor exactly what they are doing online. If you are at all concerned about your child's online behavior then investing in some quality monitoring and recording software for your computer, is a must. Software that records both sides of instant messages. It will also record all email, chat room and social networking activity. This will help put your mind at ease and also guide you on educating your child on any unsafe instant messaging behavior you come across.

Education is the Key

You won't stop teens mnstant messaging, however, you can reduce the potential dangers by ensuring the service provider is doing their part, and most importantly, educate your child about the potential online dangers of instant messaging they may face. Make sure they never use their real name, and never swap personal information with anyone online. Above all if they feel something isn't right to let you or another grown up know right away.

by: Lisa Sullivan

POST COMMENT

Managing Online Photo Galleries Without Learning Flash Botox Injections : A New Life For Your Skin What Are The Role Of Enlarged Pores In Anti Aging Treatments How Are Antioxidants Linked to Anti-Aging? by:Carina MacInnes Healthy Aging Suggestions by:Blair Gwilt Staging and Grading of Prostate Cancer by:Fritz Frei Antioxidants: Combating Aging and Disease by:Sylvia Riley Managing Fibromyalgia Symptoms with Vitamins by:Steven Godlewski Managing Arthritis Pain Calcium and Vitamins by:Steven Godlewski Aging Boomer or Ageless Bloomer? by:Barbara Morris, R.Ph. Simple Secrets for Rejuvenating Aging Skin by:Sue Dolan Skin Care Treatments for Rejuvenating Aging Skin by:Sue Dolan Antiaging Skin Care by:R. Drysdale