Dear LA Teacher,
Chat Roulette is so cool. I went on yesterday and met a lot of neat kids from all over the world. There were some weirdoes there too, but I had fun. What do you think of that new Internet sensation?
Chatty Kid
Dear Chatty Kid,
For those of you out there clueless about this newest Internet craze, Chat Roulette was started by a 17-year-old Moscow, Russian student. It’s not the kind of site you want your kids to visit. Yes, the site says you have to be 16-years-old and Chat Roulette doesn’t tolerate obscenity, pornography, or offensive behavior. But there’s no Chat Roulette police enforcing policy.
Here’s what happens. The site pairs you with a random video chat partner. You can click “next” anytime you want or stay as long as you like, unless your partner leaves first.
Yes, Chat Roulette gives viewers the opportunity to make friends throughout the world, but it’s more like California during the Gold Rush—wild. Kids can be exposed to jerks wearing grotesque masks dancing around nude. One “chatter” held up a sign saying, “Assroll,” then rolled over backwards, naked. Some “chatters” will make love in front of their webcam or display shocking images of death.
Here’s what you can do. Make sure the computer with the webcam in your home is in a centralized location. Tell your children about Chat Roulette and explain why you don’t like it. Ask them for their thoughts on the subject and why a site like that is not appropriate for children and many adults, too.
Chat Roulette is a predator’s paradise. You don’t want your kids there.
Good luck,
LA Teacher
Have a question about the Internet and your kids? Ask LA Teacher at writinghigh2009@gmail.com.
Comments
Agreed!
I have also heard horrible things about this site before. When you go on there is no age requirement and just by pressing "allow" children can be exposed to an array of inappropriate things. Great article!
Thanks for letting us know about this.
I cant see this being popular for too long before someone complains and its taken down
Thanks a lot for your great article. Unfortunately ,I don't live in CA, but why Hollywood hasn't discovered you yet!
Wow, this is the first I have heard of this. Thank you for the heads up on this and I will keep an eye on my children and their internet activity even closer.
Pretty scary stuff. Interestingly, when a new fad comes out, it acts like a magnet to kids with a sense of daring laced with curiosity. I think your suggestion to have computers with webcams in central locations where parents can view what their teen is doing is a sound one.
It is also important to be able to talk with them about what they are viewing, whether through the internet or television. Sometimes inappropriate images sneak through, and it is invaluable for teens to have an adult who is available for them to process their feelings with.
Wow - first time I have heard of this - thanks for the update and advice! Can't be too careful nowadays!
perfect
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