Don't Let Your Kids Take a Chance on Chatroulette?

What do you get when you mix chat and video with the chance of roulette? Some might say a fascinating new website, and others would say a risk not worth taking. Chatroulette is one of the newest sites kids are hearing about and one parents need to know about.

The idea behind chatroulette is to take chatting to a different level. Instead of just chatting with complete strangers, you have the ability to see them on video through a webcam. Then the fun is supposed to begin. I guess it depends on what you consider fun. I thought about doing some research, but I really just didn’t want to expose myself (no pun intended) to the content I knew I would come across.

Why should I be concerned?

First, you must be 16 or older to use the service, which should give you a clue as to the possible content.

Second, it involves video! Those two facts tell me that I should expect nudity and pornographic images.

Third, younger kids (under 16) are finding this site as it becomes more popular. They think the “shock” value is funny and they are showing it to their friends.

I must admit that I headed over to the site to check it out, but this is as far as I got…

From this screen, you click “play” to start the game. Once you set up your video stream, you have to allow access to your webcam and microphone. But don’t click on it yet, you need to read the next sentence… If you click allow, you may be recorded. Wait a minute, are people recording their chatroulette sessions? Yes, they are! That should be a concern. Unfortunately, most people probably don’t even read that far before they click ‘allow’.

Now you’re ready to play the game of roulette! You don’t have any idea who or what will show up. When the first person pops up on the screen, you both take a look at each other and decide if you want to chat. If you or the other person don’t want to continue, then you click the “next” button. That will end that connection and you take a chance on the next available person. This is called “nexting”. I think part of the “game” is to be the first to “next”.

If you are a parent, I recommend watching the video below. It allows you to get an inside look at the site and how it works. Although, he did find a few interesting people, it took a lot of time and exposed him to some disturbing images. He also found it very addicting, wondering if the next one would be normal or a pervert. I find it disturbing that young kids can access this so easily. But… we are in the digital age!

Check this out on Chatroulette

Nexting – when a random stranger clicks the next button immediately after seeing what you look like

chat roulette from Casey Neistat on Vimeo

I think I will head over to my parental controls and block this site. After that, I will have a talk with my kids and remind them the internet has good information and bad information. Once again, this shows the importance of open communication and talking to your kids about online safety.

Consider an internet training course that will teach you and your kids about online safety. Our family has gone through the Internet Safety Program for Families. This online program will teach your family how to navigate the cyber world safely with topics including inappropriate material, cell phone safety, email, viruses, sharing private information, online predators and social network sites.

What do you think about this site? Have you been on it? If so, what was your experience?

UPDATE: Chatroulette: Still Not Safe For Kids, from MSNBC

Cammie Moise

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