If you haven't heard of the latest Internet sensation, Chatroulette.com, you will. Chatroulette is an online service for one-on-one text-, webcam- and microphone-based chat with people around the world. When you logon, you scroll through the site looking for other people online, to chat, perform for, or fill in the blank.
Sounds great, initially. Wouldn't it be cool if your child could chat with another tween half-way around the world? The problem is the site offers no protection for children, meaning any child who scrolls through the online list of "chatters" is likely to see some very vulgar and obscene live images. Not to mention the likelihood of your child connecting with someone whose intentions are less than honorable.
Just as you would want to protect your child in public places, so must you do so online. This site is not suitable for children -- period. Sit down with your tween and make it perfectly clear. And don't assume your children don't know about the site. I heard a group of middle schoolers talking about it openly yesterday.
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