Recently I was asked to speak about kids and chat rooms. I knew I had to be prepared for this radio interview and whatever questions the interviewers might toss my way. I know how to get into a chat, find a chat, create a chat, etc. etc. What I didn't know were the rules and regulations that some companies applied to their chat rooms. Well, I decided to see what I could find out.

I highly recommend AOL for the parental controls. It's not perfect, but it's the best that works for my family. That's what I have for my children and I have all the parental controls customized to suit the needs of each individul young child in my household. I've tried several other ISP's and did not find their parental controls to be as reliable. I decided to call the company I felt offered the most online protection with the best option for parental controls.

After being on hold for more than 45 minutes I finally got a live person! That person had to transfer me to another person. Eureka! I have successfullly gained the attention of a real live person, by phone, at AOL. It's been my experience that the online tech support is a lot more convenient. I suspect it's that way for a reason?

I asked the question, "who is allowed in a kids chat room?" "Anyone" the gentleman answered. Anyone? Don't you have to be a kid? Well it turns out they really don't have any way of knowing who's a kid and who isn't. This is an excellent argument for always making sure the computer is where it can be viewed by the parent's at all times.

They do have a Host in the kids chats, but it's my understanding that the Host is automated. That's what I was told by the AOL Customer Service Agent that I spoke with. My daughter has been in kids chats where the Host draws different pictures using different letters and keys on the keyboard. Sponge Bob, a birthday cake on her birthday, a rose, a kitty, etc. It was really neat. My children have no idea that the Host is automated. I'm not telling them any different. They will be less likely to do something inappropiate if they think an adult is in the chat room with them.

The good thing about a chat is that everything is recorded. They can pull up a recorded chat from a week ago as easily you pull up your email. That's one of the best things about a chat. Yes, they also build up typing speed, but it's more important for them to be recorded.

The most important thing about kids and chats, any parent needs to know is at any given point and time, a predator may be lurking in a chat looking for their next victim.

They find someone who for whatever reason they are able to befriend. They slowly work on alienating that child from their family. Once they have sucessfully done that, the next move is to physically seperate them from the family. Whether it's for one hour or forever, the ultimate goal is to seperate the child from the watchful eyes of the parent so they can fulfill whatever it is their twisted mind wants fulfilled. Scary as heck, isn't it?

It's estimated that over 70,000 children have actually met with someone in person that they originally met online. Parents often think it won't go that far or they can trust their own child. Parents, wake up! It's not your kids you can't trust, it's those who are lurking for their next victim while posing as a great friend.

Don't let the computer go to the kids bedroom. You're asking for trouble if you do. I would trust my daughter with a computer in her room. She's most the responsible kid I've ever met. It's not her that I would have to worry about. It would be the sicko who would pretend to be a kid in the same town and talk her into meeting him at the mall or movies. Keep the computer where you can see it when the kids are online. Even if you have to set up a schedule of who gets on and when, keep the computer where you can see it.

Do not allow IM's with people who are unknown previously to your family. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, school friends, teachers and sports team members your kids play with are examples of people who are previously known to your child. Even with those IM's you still need to be watchful. Make sure it is, who you think it is. Our children depend on us to keep them safe.