Chatroulette (Chat Roulette)

Yesterday, I was video chatting with one of my best friends in Florida. Video chatting is awesome when someone like me lives in Indiana and has friends all over the world. But I’m an adult. This makes me wonder how our kids are using video chatting. With new models of computers with built-in cameras, this makes it easy for strangers to actually SEE our kids.

Okay, back to my conversation with my Florida friend. We’re talking about how we love to video chat because we never get to see each other, and it’s like sitting in the same room with him when we talk. He was telling me about this new website called Chatroulette. Chatroulette is a website where you can pop in, turn your camera on, and randomly start talking to strangers all over the world, face to face. At the time I am writing this blog, Monday morning, there are 14,280 users on Chatroulette.

Under the “terms and conditions” the participator must be at least 16 years-old and ChatRoulette does not tolerate broadcasting obscene, offending, pornographic material. They say they will block any users who violate those rules. However, it would take someone “reporting” the behavior in order for any consequences to happen.

That said, there are a couple of different sides I see to this. 1) This is a bit scary because kids can lie and get on there at ages younger than 16, and some sicko won’t report it because he/she is loving it. Or 2) if the kids see who they’re talking to, perhaps that would sway them to not chat with them anymore.

The psychology is different for different kids. Some may do it because of the “thrill” of it. Some may be more leery. However, regardless of who is more responsible, the danger that our kids could be chatting it up with someone who could potentially harm them is there. Know who your kids are chatting with and how long they are spending online in chat rooms. Download McGruff Safeguard. Help us help you keep your loved ones safe online.

Labels: chatroulette, McGruff Safeguard, online predators, online safety, video chatting

• Consider installing McGruff Safeguard on all the computers in your house that your kids are on - McGruff Safeguard and help monitor conversations that are taking place online and will alert you if there is any suspicion of abusive behavior. Whether it is sneaking out, drugs, sexual abuse, or cyber bullying. If you are aware of what is going on in the lives of your kids, it opens up a door for discussion. With it being so difficult growing up and learning how to do things for yourself, kids often hold back any feelings of hurt or concern. If you know what is going on with them, knowing helps facilitate conversation.

• Be open with your teens – Always remember that growing up is never easy. When you approach a subject out of love rather than judgment, people have a natural inclination to open up versus coming at them harsh and watching them shut down. I have so much personal experience in this area. My parents were very hard on me and very judgmental over what I did that was not up to their approval. Know that your teens are going to make mistakes and do stupid things. I believe that’s part of the growing process. However, boundaries are important. And explaining the “why’s” can help them to understand a little better.
  


• Know who your kids are hanging out with – Sometimes the people who you think are a negative influence on your kids are the ones who you can make the biggest impact with. When you have McGruff Safeguard on your computers, at least you can see what they’re not always telling you. If you use a service like this for the good, everyone can benefit from various lessons learned.
  


• Talk to your kids about online predators and cyber bullying– If you need to show them different stories of victims and people, do it. Be sure to let them know that that not everyone they come in contact with online is who they say they are. There have been multiple stories in the past year of this. It’s important for them to be safe with how much information they share on their online profiles and such.

Labels: cyberbulling, McGruff Safeguard, new year, online predators