"Chat Roulette" is No Innocent Game

It used to be that parents needed to worry about "spiked punch", Spin the Bottle and a few other temptations at teen parties. Now, there is another danger that seems to be luring adolescents in disguise as a party game. It's called “Chat Roulette.”

"Chat Roulette" is a specific site, however it can be played at any chat site. The game involves the participant (usually a group gathered around at parties with one spokesperson) to randomly select another chatter from the list in the site. The teen then proceeds to seduce the stranger or provoke an argument.

Some sites offer live video webcam chat or the ability to directly send files, and some teens will send photographs, audio or even video files to the other chatter. The group may encourage their friend to push the situation further. They sometimes search for online photos, "copy and pasting" them as if their own. Or, they will create them to suit their intentions.

I spoke to several teens regarding this. Many feel that as long as they create the scenario and not give their personal details that there is no risk. They can’t be further from the truth. Many chat sites will track ISP (Internet Service Provider) numbers and will log the general location of the computer. There are also ways that a chatter can acquire the ISP number of all the other chatters, even without access to the site’s administrative functions. The blatant disregard to safety is a great concern that all parents should find disturbing.

Here are some signs that your child may be playing "Chat Roulette.” The most obvious sign is your child's site history. Many teens will delete history, including individual sites. Taking laptops to parties can be a sign because they are portable and can be taken to the rooms away from the party parents. Check your child's history often and randomly without warning. It's not an invasion of privacy if you're trying to keep your child safe.

The best defense is to inform your child of the dangers that are not so obvious. Just because chatters seem nice and a site appears private, it does not mean it is. Many chatters have ulterior motives and words can be twisted to meet their agenda. There are many websites that have information and tips, including one from the FBI. For more information, go to www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/parent-guide/parent-guide