Be on guard if someone begins to ask your child personal questions, or if they start to make your child uncomfortable in any way. If this happens, have your child say goodbye and exit the chat room. It's important to know that even though a different nickname is being used, it's still possible to track someone through their IP, or Internet address. Supervise any return visits to a chat room where your child has been approached by someone who seemed to be too interested in them. Should that same person begin speaking with your child again, tell the moderator.
Personal profiles are one way predators find children.
Don't let your child put their real name, sex, age, school, home address, phone number or any personal information in their profile. Their nickname and a few fun things, such as their favorite color or rock band, will suffice. Instant messages or private messages of any kind should be monitored carefully. Chat room moderators can't see what's going on in private conversations and won't notice if your child is getting into a dangerous situation. Encourage your child to stay in the chat room with all the other kids instead of allowing them to be pulled aside and spoken with privately.