Chat Rooms

Chat rooms are online spaces that allow users to have live, real-time conversations with multiple people at the same time. Messages are visible to everyone in the chat room, yet users can choose to remain anonymous by using screen names rather than real identities. While chat rooms can be lively and engaging places where people with shared interests connect, they also carry significant risks—particularly for children and young people.

One of the main dangers of chat rooms is that they may be used by ill-intentioned individuals who attempt to contact young users. For this reason, we advise that children should not be allowed to enter chat rooms, just as they are taught not to speak to strangers in public places. As children grow older (approximately 10–13 years), they should only participate in age-appropriate, moderated chat rooms, and even then under close adult supervision.

Chat rooms are monitored in various ways. Some platforms use automated systems that block users who use inappropriate language, while others employ human moderators to oversee conversations. However, even in monitored environments, there is no guarantee of complete safety, as adults can still join and pretend to be children. This makes young teens particularly vulnerable.

Adolescents should be encouraged to use only reputable, monitored teen chat rooms and to protect their personal information at all times. They should never share details such as their full name, address, school, phone number, or photos. Teens should also be advised to remain in public chat areas, avoid private conversations with strangers, and report any uncomfortable or suspicious behaviour immediately to a trusted adult or site moderator.

Promoting digital awareness and maintaining open communication between adults and young people are key to creating safer online experiences in chat rooms.

Tip: Keep your Internet-connected computer in a public area of your house - never in a child's room.