There has been a lot of news lately about sexual predators on the Internet trying to contact kids. Do your parents allow you to use online chat rooms? Why or why not? Do you think it can be a dangerous activity for kids and teenagers?
This week's answers come from Erik Videbeck's American Government classes at Marana High School.
My parents encourage me not to use chat rooms. I don't use them because I think they are dangerous for kids and teenagers. The main problem is that you don't really know who is on the other end. It can be a sex offender, it can be anyone. On the Internet you can lie about everything, your age especially. Chat rooms should be banned. It would be safer for young kids and teens.
Jennifer Talano, 17, senior
My parents allow me to use the Internet but urge me not to use chat sites. They cannot really ban me from Internet use, as it is my computer, but they inform me of the risks involved in chat rooms and sites. I do believe that chat rooms can be potentially dangerous for teens and kids. But if the child is well-informed by a parent, there can be safe Internet use. Being informed is key.
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Heidi Kraft, 17, senior
My parents don't really allow me to go on to chat rooms, but there are always ways around it. When I was 11 or 12 I used to go on chat rooms with some of my friends. But after my parents explained to me about the sexual predators I stopped going on. I definitely think it can be a dangerous activity for kids and teenagers because you don't know if you are really talking to a 16-year-old girl or a 30-year-old pervert who is on there looking for young girls like you.
Brandi Forsyth, 18, senior
I personally have never gone on the Internet in a chat room. I have seen too many accidents and negative things happen with teenage girls mostly. My parents would never let me talk to people I don't know off the Internet. I believe it is a very dangerous way to meet people, especially if you meet up with them face-to-face. I don't think any good comes from this Internet talking, and more people need to be educated and aware of what actually goes on.
Felicia Mendoza, 17, senior
My parents do allow me to go into chat rooms. Basically I can do whatever I want on the Internet. I have my own computer in my room and no supervision. I have never had a problem with pedophiles. I do believe that children, say under the age of 14, should definitely be monitored on the Internet and really shouldn't be allowed in chat rooms. Older than 14, these teenagers know what not to give out on the Internet and how to protect themselves.
Tyler Holes, 17, senior
Yes, my parents allow me to use online chat rooms as long as I am careful about it. They do not let me make a profile because they don't want me to make public the wrong information. They also tell me not to tell anyone where I'm from. Also, I'm never allowed to meet anyone that I met online as they might not be who they say they are. I think talking in chat rooms is very dangerous for kids and teens if they give too much information out to complete strangers.
Travis Mattson, 17, senior
My parents do allow me to use online chat rooms. They understand that they could pose a risk but believe that I can be responsible enough to know what is OK to do and say on the Internet. However, I think it is extremely important for parents to make sure their children fully understand what is OK to say/give out in a chat room. This is because chat rooms can be dangerous and predators have the ability to trick information out of children.
Jesus Leon, 17, senior
My parents do not encourage me to use online chat rooms. They feel they are not only dangerous, but a waste of time. Students dependent on chat rooms for social interaction are bound to run into trouble. There are too many weirdos out there, and they can be even more dangerous when they are hiding behind the anonymous mask of the Internet.
Scotty Catt, 18, senior
