Instant Messaging

What is IM?

Instant messaging, known as IM, is a text-based form of communication. It is similar to a telephone call except it is read off of a computer screen rather than heard audibly occurring in real time. It is similar to a private chat room, except only two individuals are there and there is no person to monitor the conversation. (Webopedia)

Instant messaging is extremely popular with kids today. The messages are limited to 160 characters. In order to fit in the most meaning into the fewest characters many short cuts are used. Often vowels are deleted changing 'text' into 'txt' and 'this' into 'ths'. Apostrophes or dashes are removed as well. Words are replaced with numbers or symbols, changing 'date' into 'd8' and 'forgive' into '4giv'. Acronyms are also a short cut. Click here for a list of popular chat Acronyms.

Dangers:

If you restrict your instant messaging to people that you really know, in person, there should be no danger (unless you know a dangerous person). The danger comes in when someone you do not know starts instant messaging you from a chat room. This is the same as being in a private room with a stranger. It is not a safe practice. The more you 'talk' with someone the more information you will give out about yourself, even if you are careful.

Children may be exposed to vulgar language and sexually explicit images and discussions. Web cameras, digital cameras, and picture cell phones make it very easy for an individual to send pictures of anything.

Cyberbullying can occur with instant messaging. Instant messaging programs run in the background of the computer and pop up anytime someone instant messages you. If your screen name is on someone's instant messaging list of friends they can track when you are online. Instant messaging programs will alert one user if another user is online. If every time your child goes on line, there is someone watching and making threats or nasty comments to them, this harassment is Cyberbullying. The constant sending of hateful, threatening messages will have a detrimental effect on the recipient.

Be aware that predators who have made contact with your child in a chat room will, physiologically, move toward a more exclusive relationship by using instant messaging as well as email, and even the telephone. Also, if a predator is stalking your child, they may be able to monitor when your child is online by receiving an alert in Instant Messaging when your child signs on.

When Instant Messaging the basic safety rules apply.

• Do not give out any personal information:
• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• School attended
• Passwords
• Distinguishing family information
• Where a parent is employed
• Photos
• Do not attempt to meet anyone in person that you meet in a chat room
• Do not give out anyone else’s personal information
• Do not use a screen name that gives any information about you
• Do not use your real voice if the chat is voice enabled; use a gender-neutral voice mask
• Do leave the chat room if you become uncomfortable
• Do document anything that is a problem
• Do tell parents about anything that is a problem

Resources:

The HowStuffWorks site on Instant Messaging http://www.howstuffworks.com/instant-messaging.htm
The BBC site http://www.bbc.co.uk/chatguide/glossary/messenger.shtml
The WiredSafety Site http://www.wiredsafety.org/askparry/1.html
The Bullying site Several good PDF files on the "I Want to Lean" page
    http://www.bullying.org/public/frameset.cfm
The Cyberbully site http://cyberbully.org
The WiredKids site Parents page http://www.wiredkids.org/parents/