Website not suitable for children.

spender

Just thought I would post this for any parents. A few weeks ago my children signed up for a website where they could communicate with other people. This is appeared to be a website for children and my kids were introduced by another friend who has been using it for some time. I thought I was pretty savvy and told my children not to use their real names nor reveal any details,(I have not posted the website here because I do not know whether it is suitable to do so). My elder son warned me that this site had a bad reputation and not to let the little ones on it. I blithely told him that they were not going to reveal any details. Anyway this evening my young son had a message from someone offering to show them a picture of his penis. I have learnt my lesson, fortunately we talk to the children and immediately they told us about this, my eldest son has done something to the router etc which means that the website is totally blocked. I feel extremely bad as a parent and extremely bad for ignoring eldest son's advice (he is much older that the younger two). If I am allowed I will reveal the name of this site.

Rikki

I have a good relationship with my eldest so too. It is worth listening to them if they offer advice as they are more knowledgeable than we would be with this sort of thing. Glad you got it sorted.

spender

Rikki, you are so right. I thought I knew it all and dismissed the eldest, should of listened.

RacyRed

Spender, I hope you reported that message to whoever is supposed to be looking after that website. If they do not take action to safeguard the children using the site then perhaps they should named and shamed. Not sure where the best place to do that is though.

Rikki

spender wrote:

Rikki, you are so right. I thought I knew it all and dismissed the eldest, should of listened.

Its not always easy. Suddenly they are grown up and their opinions count and need to be considered. A difficult thing to do.

Beluga_2

For suspicious behaviour towards children, in chat rooms or instant messaging, you can file a report here:
http://www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com/contactus/vgt/

They're a group of police forces from around the world (including the UK). It's easy to file a report online, but don't worry if you haven't got all the details they ask for. Even if all you have is the web site's name, it will probably be of some use.

Once you've clicked the "send" button, you can relax with a "warm fuzzy" feeling that you're doing something to help other people's kids too. :dance: