Warning to Parents Who Use Moshi Monsters

Sambucus_Nigra

suki1001 wrote: »

You're not astonised, neither am I. You're nosey.

No, I seriously AM astonished. Perhaps I shouldn't be though.

Spendless

suki1001 wrote: »

I am highlighting the dangers of this site, because I believe a lot of parents think it is safer than it actually is. You might not and good for you, but not everyone might and they might be thankfull I have warned them, or at least reminded them. And your problem is?

But you haven't highlighted dangers because you can't tell us what has happened- understandably. Of course they can be contacted/chat to other people that they only know as an online 'friend'. Can't they on most sites?

Children if using these sites should be following the rules that they don't disclose personal info or arrange to meet anyone. If they aren't mature enough to follow these rules, possibly they shouldn't be on them.

thegirlintheattic

Just shows how ALL parents should read the guidance on the CEOP site and check all sites before use.

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/


If anyone is concerned I would suggest you get yourself a good parental filter on your PC and remember that if your child has a video game console, smart phone etc. they can often access these sites even if you have filtered them.

Recently had a parent ring up because the had only just found out that their son could talk to anyone 'in game' when playing on the Xbox.

suki1001

Spendless wrote: »

But you haven't highlighted dangers because you can't tell us what has happened- understandably. Of course they can be contacted/chat to other people that they only know as an online 'friend'. Can't they on most sites?

Children if using these sites should be following the rules that they don't disclose personal info or arrange to meet anyone. If they aren't mature enough to follow these rules, possibly they shouldn't be on them.

Is it not enough just to warn people?

Honestly, nobody has disclosed personal information.

Spendless

suki1001 wrote: »

Is it not enough just to warn people?

Well, no not for me cos I don't know what you are warning me about. I totally understand you can't currently say. I am perfectly aware my DD can be contacted on the sites she plays on.

picnmix

My DD uses MM, she is a member but I have explained to her about internet safety, I know they cover it at school and I don't let her use it unless one of us is with her. DD is only 7, so I know she has no idea what a chat room is and I have explained to her that you don't talk to anyone you don't know, she has a few friends on the site, her cousins and school friends.

This issue with moshi monsters has been raised many times before, its good to warn people who are not aware of it, although I have to say that I found all the issues by just doing an internet search before DD was on it.

It is a hugely popular game, DD gets a lot of enjoyment from it, enjoys talking to her friends about it at school, so with watchful eyes we are happy for her to use it. Kids have to learn about internet safety and this is a way of her doing that. I have a friend who does not allow her son on any of these sites, in fear of what may happen to him, I think with supervision, education etc they are fine.

suki1001

Spendless wrote: »

Well, no not for me cos I don't know what you are warning me about. I totally understand you can't currently say. I am perfectly aware my DD can be contacted on the sites she plays on.

I'm warning it's not safe. I think children are aware personal information shouldn't be given out, but as far as I can see tiny snipets of information have been pieced together by finding information out from several people, cleverly done, cleverly obtained. I'll let you imagine the rest. Yes, it is every parents worst case scenario. I'll just add nobody went to meet anyone. It was an extension of stranger danger. I hope that is enough information for you.

gibson123

Well done Suki for highlighting this. I am really happy for all of you that are not only well educated and informed but think everyone has exactly the same information as you! Obviously in your well educated and informed world no child is in danger from internet stalkers.

Suki however decided to post to let everyone know that this is NOT the case and out there in the real world a child or children has been put in danger. If by highlighting these issues makes just one parent more aware and one child even safer then it's a job well done.

suki1001

gibson123 wrote: »

Well done Suki for highlighting this. I am really happy for all of you that are not only well educated and informed but think everyone has exactly the same information as you! Obviously in your well educated and informed world no child is in danger from internet stalkers.

Suki however decided to post to let everyone know that this is NOT the case and out there in the real world a child or children has been put in danger. If by highlighting these issues makes just one parent more aware and one child even safer then it's a job well done.

Thank you Gibson123, I'm glad a few people have seen my point. I really hope it does help someone.

Sambucus_Nigra

gibson123 wrote: »

Well done Suki for highlighting this. I am really happy for all of you that are not only well educated and informed but think everyone has exactly the same information as you! Obviously in your well educated and informed world no child is in danger from internet stalkers.

Suki however decided to post to let everyone know that this is NOT the case and out there in the real world a child or children has been put in danger. If by highlighting these issues makes just one parent more aware and one child even safer then it's a job well done.

Seriously - you do not have to be either well educated or well informed to work out that just because a website is called a cutsie name and markets directly to children, that adults can also get through the net and directly talk to these kids.

By questioning HOW parents are thinking this - it is highlighting the issues surrounding the ignorance of some parents.

But apparently questioning how these parents think it's safe isn't allowed. The irony eh?