Protecting Children from the Dangers of Chat Rooms

It is estimated that over 6 million kids in the UK surf the web every day and use the many different chat rooms that are on offer. Whilst chatrooms can offer children a way to communicate with others with similar interests across the world, they can also be potential source of danger to young people.

A recent poll suggests that over half of the children in the UK that use the Internet have had an "unwanted experience", whether that be cyber-bullying, exposure to violent, pornographic and other unsuitable material, or being threatened or sexually harassed.

However, by following the advice contained in this section, both parents and children can work together so that they become fully aware of the possible pitfalls and dangers of Internet chat rooms, so that they may reduce any potential risks and increase their safety online.