instant messaging

Instant messaging (or IM) allows you to send pictures and documents back and forth; and conduct real time conversations— privately — with anyone on your IM list. It is like chatrooms, except that it's usually a one-on-one experience instead of a group activity. In some ways that's safer since it's easier to communicate with friends or relatives aboard and the IM list can be restricted to only people you know.
But it can be dangerous if kids aren't careful during the sign-up process, then anyone will be able to contact them. IM can encourage negative interaction if kids use it for gossiping and bullying and kids can receive pornographic "spam" through their IM software.

Instant messengers

Safety guidelines for instant messaging:

• Decide with your child on an IM  by choosing one that most relatives & friends are using.
• Protect your kids' privacy during the registration process. Make sure their authorization is required before anyone adds them to an IM list. Discourage them from filling out the "personal profile"—this information is made available to other users, which may attract strangers!

• Help your kids create their own user list. Know who's on your kids' IM lists. Kids should only approve people for their IM lists if they know them in the "real world." Check your child's list regularly to make sure that strangers haven't been added.

• Disable any file-sharing options. Most IM programs offer a file sharing option that allows users to download files to their computer's hard drive. However, serious viruses can be sent to your computer this way. If neccessary to share files, make sure IM settings are configured to get your permission before a file is downloaded.

• Report pornographic junk mail to the instant messaging service provider. Even if your child's IM program have been configured to accept only messages from people on the contact list, she or he may still receive "spam," or junk mail—even pornographic spam. Use the "Ignore" function to block that sender in future, and report the spam to the service provider.