Virtual 3D Chat Worlds

Virtual 3D chat worlds have become common places for children to spend time online. The safest chat rooms either have filters for inappropriate words, human moderation, or both. These features minimize the probability of predators entering the chat and targeting kids.

Text messaging

Chat rooms were the first interactive media on the internet. They were basically a form of text messaging. But as graphics, audio and video technologies matured, virtual 3D chat became popular. In these environments, participants are usually allowed to create an avatar, and make selections from a variety of outfits and accessories for it. Depending on the sophistication of the site, participants may also be able to create their own web page or create a personal space for their avatar.

Multimedia

Although chat rooms started out as exclusively text-based, they are now increasingly multi media. Many virtual 3D chat worlds allow speech and webcams. But if you are a parent trying to find a safe chat room for your child, it may be helpful to steer clear of interactive audio and visual media. If you can't be in the room next to your child whenever he is online, letting him use a webcam in a chat room is probably not a good idea. Your child's image could end up being broadcast all over the web without your knowledge or permission. Or in the worst case scenario, your child could be stalked in real life and abducted. While those outcomes are not likely, it is probably better not to test the odds.

Parental concerns

Some parents feel that no chat room is safe for kids because predators and perverts can find ways to hack the language filters and slip around the mods. They advocate either to prevent you child from participating in chat altogether, or staying in the room with the child while he is online. Other parents feel that teaching their children about how to recognize a predator and what to avoid is actually safer in the long run. Their reasoning is that their child will be better able to protect himself in the real world when armed with more knowledge.

Parental opinions

It boils down to a matter of parenting opinion. Parents who still want to find a place for their kids to participate in virtual 3D chat worlds can try Disney's Club Penguin (where kids play with penguin avatars), Moshi Monsters (where kids can adopt and care for their own monster), or Build a Bearville (where kids can build virtual teddy bears).

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