Hi
Simply going on the internet opens a few doors for "bad things" but if you know how to use the internet, you will be fine.
If you receive a PM asking for a suspicious meet-up, would you really agree to that? I mean, come on, seriously? And I am over 100% sure that your parents accompany you to all tournaments anyways.
Quote:There are many ways to lure minors through the Internet. More particularly in chat rooms, nothing is easier than to pretend to be someone else. Some people take advantage of the relative anonymity offered by the Net to lie about their age, occupation and... intentions [...]As with discussion forums, we have to be careful about the information we disclose. Youth may not always understand the consequences of their actions and the information disclosed may make it easier for predators to manipulate minors.
You should not post your address anywhere on the site or give it to anybody, that is a given.
If they still insist that the PM system is "harmful", then:
Recommendations- You should always supervise your children as they surf the Net. Protection software is available that filters and blocks access to offensive sites. Browsers also offer some protection functions.
- Install the computer in a room shared by all family members like the living room.
- When you are not there, consider using a password to restrict access to the Internet. This allows for a better control by parents as they can monitor the activities of their children, especially if they are very young.
- Identify specific periods of time during the day when your children are allowed to use the computer, and set a time limitation on their surfing sessions.
- Ask yourself whether a child should take part in chat room discussions and use a Web cam.Take time to discuss with your children the dangers associated with the Internet, stressing the risks involved in chat rooms. Set security rules (for instance, not to open attachments, never give personal information to anyone, etc.).
- If your child if victim of luring, make sure not to delete the contact or the conversations. Isolate the computer and call your local police service. It is important for the investigators to have access to all the information.
And also:
Safety tips intended for young Internet users
1) Unless you have your parents' or a teacher's permission:
Never give out your name, address, phone number or the name of your school on the Internet;
Never send your photo;
Never give out your e-mail address or your password;
Never give out information concerning your parents.
2) If you feel in danger or uncomfortable on a chat, e-mail or web site, log off the Internet right away and tell your parents or a teacher about it.
3) Never arrange a meeting with an acquaintance made on the Internet unless one of your parents will be present.
4) When participating in chats, newsgroups and forums, always use a nickname that does not reveal anything about you.
5) Never open e-mails, links, pictures or games if you do not know the source. If in doubt, ask an adult first.
6) Never make a purchase online without your parents' permission.
"Bad people" cannot pull you through their computer screen and so as long as you do not disclose private information, forward the "harassing" PM to an administrator (that can surely deal with the problem very efficiently) you will be safe and out of trouble.
Needless to say, I am very interested in what your parents have to say now (*´・v・)