160 replies to this topic

[monkeysmom]

Okay, everyone knows that I am the MOM of the board, and many are quite familiar with my lectures. I am always preaching internet safety, and I know you guys get tired of listening to me. Well, I'm about to start again --- so get comfortable, and please, pay attention~

We all have IM chats --- let's admit it and move on! However, recently I've been alerted to the fact that many members of HH do chat frequently...as I suspected. There is nothing wrong with that -- IF YOU ARE SMART! The problem is, teens rarely seem to think that they can fall prey to a predator, but you can -- very easily. When this was first brought to my attention I kind of let it go because I know that I am lecturing constantly on the boards, but then I began to think more and more about it and decided it was time for yet ANOTHER reminder.

The problem is that I have been told that sex is often a hot topic in these conversations. Well, I thought perhaps I should address the issue. Now please realize that I am not talking as a representative of HH, but as a mother. HH cannot and does not get involved in outside messenger conversations or problems.

However, this is WHAT I can tell you. We have had several "questionable" people on HH that have been banned. Some were perverted, some pretended to be someone they are not. It is one of the reasons we are so protective of our community here at HH. However, we cannot protect you outside of HH - and we can ONLY try our utmost to keep you safe here - no one can guarantee your safety on the internet.

With all that said, please remember that it is very easy to get carried away in a conversation and give personal identifying information about yourself, even without intending to. A mere mention of your town-- your school -- little by little predators gain the information they need from YOU, and suddenly, you are NOT as safe as you once thought.

So please bear in mind next time you are chatting with someone on messenger.... what do you REALLY know about them? How do you REALLY know they are who they say they are? And if you get into a talk about sex --- do you really want to be carrying on that type of conversation with someone that has the POSSIBILITY of being a pervert praying on children & teens?

Again, no one but YOU can protect yourself on the internet. Be SAFE, be WARY, be SUSPICIOUS --- and trust NO ONE!

Love and hugs,

Monkeysmom

[braintiac]

Nice point MM

[PoptartShop]

Good tips MM!
I never talk to people I do NOT know (like in real life) on IM. I never go in chatrooms.

The only time I talk to ppl I do not know in real life is on HH! I rarely PM anyone too & I never give out info like my name, city, etc. ;) Glad you posted this!

[x peach fuzz x]

this reminds me of that show on nbc or whatever about child predators and stuff! it can be a sick/nasty world out there! i hope those predators aren't on this forum.. be cautious, everyone this is a fun place to be!

[HammyGranny]

This is a very REAL issue. I have experienced perverts & stalkers first hand online. Its a scary and sick thing. Never offer to show your picture to someone you know without a doubt is who they say they are, and even then be safe, get parents approval & permission. People can be tracked easily with just a name or face or location. BE SAFE!!

<3 HamGran

[Hamsteys]

ME gaw...
thats scary... i now konw to be more wary, thanks mm!

[monkeysmom]

You're welcome! I don't ever want you kids to feel uncomfortable or 'stalked'. MG has experienced that herself first hand-- at first she thought it was kind of funny -- then she just got more and more uncomfortable as it continued and found it was not a joke anymore. Comments such as, "I'm your biggest fan," "I have your pictures on my computer, " and a camera taking pictures of her constantly. As a performer, it is the downside of being on stage, as sometimes "fans" can be scary. Older men do become "fascinated" with young children -- boys or girls. Don't put yourself in that position. This was a real-life experience, not an internet one, so it is important to remember to be safe in all aspects of your life.

Edited by monkeysmom, 09 March 2007 - 09:48 AM.

[Lucas]

That is a very scary and real thing.
Alot of people are out to get little kids and teens just to be sick.
My school has shown videos about people who have been kidnapped and rapped and sometimes even murdered from men who catch them over the internet and chat rooms.
It's not something to joke about and anyone can be a victim.
Thanks for the info MM, I love hearing the things you have to say.

Edited by Jordyn.Gra, 09 March 2007 - 09:46 AM.

[PoptartShop]

^Exactly.
Like I said I NEVER tlk to ppl I don't know online, except here of course. But this isn't like a chatroom; it's a forum with mods & admins ;) & I never give out personal stuff.

Edited by PoptartShop, 09 March 2007 - 10:12 AM.

[Laila]

So true, mm. I'm glad you took the time to post your concern!

[HammyGranny]

This doesnt mean to stop being friendly with your friends, just be careful what you say and how much you say.

[tiredmom]

Glad this issue has been talked about on HH. As a mom myself I'm glad the younger members of the forum are being guided as to the dangers of chat rooms etc... You cannot trust that anyone is who they say they are unless you know them in 'real life' Remember this is not real life.......... I'm 35 and wary of 'chatting' I do not use chat rooms and wouldn't allow my daughter to. She chats on MSN so can only chat to people in her contact list. Chat rooms are no place to talk about private or personal stuff. Stay safe and have fun!

[Cloudpuff]

I agree with you there, mm. There alot of stalkers around - making themselves unknown and hidden. The only way is to be safe is keep our personal information hidden.

Thank you for giving us another lecture that keeps us safe!

~CP

Edited by Cloudpuff, 14 April 2007 - 03:38 PM.

[Sib]

Thanks MM , I Never Talk To People On Messenger I Don't Know.Good Points Too!

[Abby_Girl]

I never talk to anyone I don't know I only talk to a person who I do know. thanks for the tips