You’ve probably heard of chat rooms on the Internet, where Internet users meet online to exchange messages on a particular topic. Perhaps you have even taken part. The chat rooms are virtual places on the Internet where users can type messages that appear almost instantly on other people’s computers. Discussions are usually anonymous, the participants identified with nicks.

This type of conversation is often called “cat”, but there is a slight difference between IM and chat. IM usually refers to a conversation between two people, while the cat is rather a group activity. Read the Safety Tips and Privacy instant messaging to better protect you while using instant messaging. Continue to read this page for more information on chat rooms.

Microsoft has two main tools for online discussion:
•

MSN Chat
Participate in informal discussions on almost all subjects with MSN Chat

With MSN Chat, you can take part in discussions, whether technical or not. To protect against spam, conversations and unsolicited advertisements, MSN Chat now requires registration. If you subscribe to a MSN service, you have access to MSN Chat. For more information, visit the MSN Chat. And best chat is on Vampire Chat.

There are other rooms for discussions, technical or otherwise, on the Web, which allow you to discuss various topics with people from around the world. There are a few common sense rules to follow when you participate in conversations.
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5 safety tips for chat rooms

1.

Never disclose your personal information in a chat room.

2.

Never agree to meet in person someone met in a chat room.

3.

When you register, do not choose a nickname that reveals your personal information. For example, use PierreFoot not PierreLyon.

4.

Beware of who you ask to meet with you in private chat rooms.

5.

Check the terms of use, the code of conduct and policy of the site for discussion before beginning to discuss.

The chat rooms are a popular means of communication for children. Unfortunately, predators know this and online discussions are a real threat to children and adolescents. The five tips above apply to both children and adults, but you will find below additional five tips aimed at parents whose children want to participate in discussion forums. Read the tips to help protect your children when they are on the Internet for more information.
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5 safety tips for children

1.

Check how to use discussion forums with your children. Remember that children can chat on websites or through chat software, mobile phone or even online games.

2.

Tell your children that if something in the chat room makes them feel uncomfortable, they should immediately leave the room and tell an adult.

3.

Insist that your children should never send photographs of themselves to those encountered in a chat room.

4.

Learn the jargon of online discussions. Children often shorten words. For example, MDR means “rolling on the floor.”

5.

Tell your children to stick to moderate discussions.