Monitoring Instant Messages Tips

When Deciding To Meet A Stranger

If you are deciding to meet a stranger that you only know from chatting with online, take some precautionary measures. Make sure you bring someone with you, a friend or family member to the meeting location. If you cannot bring anyone with you, let someone know what your plans are and where you will be going. If those plans change, keep them updated. Be sure that the meeting location is in a very public place during the daytime. It is a good idea to have IM records printed out and put in a place easily accessible in case needed. Do as much background research as you can on the person you are going to meet.

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Be Careful When Creating A Screen Name

Each instant message program requires you to create a screen name, which is similar to an e-mail address. A screen name is how you will show up to others using the same instant messaging program. Your screen name should not provide or allude to personal information. For example, use a nickname such as "SoccerFan" instead of "BaltimoreJenny." "BaltimoreJenny" indicates that you are from a certain area and shows your real name. By providing personal information you could be creating a road map for online predators. Use your imagination, you can be fun and safe at the same time!

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Steps To Follow When Dealing With An Online Predator

If you notice any signs at all that an online predator may be talking to your child, contact your local authorities immediately. If at all possible, here are some things for you to try and make note of:

1. Was the problem you are referring to with an instant messenger, an instant message, or a particular chat room?
2, Know what Internet Service Provider you are using. This is not the program used to chat with, but the company that provides you with your Internet Service.
3. Write down the screen name being used by the suspected predator.
4. Note the time of day that this has taken place and the time zone that you are in.

Providing uncertain answers to law enforcement will most likely make it near impossible for them to track down a suspected predator on the Internet. If you are using an IM recorder to monitor instant messaging, don't forget to provide all recorded messages to the authorities.

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The Dangers of Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging is available to everyone who ones a computer and an Internet connection. Though a tremendous tool for communication, especially for businesses, it is also used by people who hide their identity to trick others into thinking they are someone else. These are known as Internet Predators. They will try to lure others, children and adults, into giving them their personal information which gives the predator the opportunity to seek out that person for wrongful reasons. Never give out personal information over an instant message. You never know who you might be talking to!

Instant Messengers can also be used for distributing pictures of pornography as well as viruses.

Once an individual has created an account for an Instant Message service, that individual can use any computer with an Internet connection which also has the same Instant Message program installed. This makes it very difficult to monitor.

Instant Messengers can be an addictive program and can be very time consuming. This can cause issues as it may get in the way of other activities such as your work and your daytime job, or homework for a child at home.

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Blocking Screen Names In Instant Messenger Clients

There are many different messaging clients out there that are used for communicating back and forth with. AIM, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger and ICQ are a few of the popular ones. A feature that comes with each messaging application is the ability to block certain screen names from contacting you.

To block unknown users in AIM, follow these steps:

1. Press F7.
2. Click Privacy.
3. Select "Allow only users on my Buddy List."

To block unknown users in ICQ, follow these instructions:

1. Click Main > Security & Privacy Permissions > Spam Control.
2. Enable "Accept messages only from users on my Contact List."

Follow these instructions to block unknown users in MSN Messenger

1. Click Tools > Options > Privacy.
2. Enable "Only people on my Allow List can see my status and send me messages."

To block unknown users in Yahoo Messenger, follow these steps:

1. Click Messenger > Preferences > Ignore List.
2. Enable "Ignore anyone who is not on my Messenger List."

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KWYKK - Know What Your Kids Know

First thing is first. Install and instant messenger and learn how to use it. Have a friend or family member install one on their computer and join the world of instant messaging. There is no point in trying to monitor instant messaging when you have know idea what your looking at. During your learning process, think of things that your child might try to do to keep you from snooping. Is there a way to clear history? If there is, then is there a way to keep it from being cleared? Is there a way to hide buddies that you chat with? If there is then learn how to unhide them. Next, learn some of the lingo. You will be surprised by some of the acronyms used and their meaning, but you might have a chuckle over them as well. Here are some examples:

1. brb - Be right back
2. nm - never mind
3. pos - Parent over shoulder
4. PAL - parents are listening
5. kpc - keeping parents clueless

Once you have spent a couple of weeks chatting back and forth with your helper, you will be better equipped to understand what it is you are monitoring.

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Monitoring Instant Messages

Are your children using Instant Messengers to communicate back and forth with each other? Do they use chat rooms? If you have answered yes to either of these questions then equipping yourself with software that will allow you to record instant messages might be a good idea. Be able to silently and invisibly record conversations between two parties over chat programs, either locally on your computer or through web-based chat programs.

IM or Instant Messaging is the ability to chat with friends and family over the Internet via an Instant Messaging application. Instant Messengers can be in the form of downloaded software that resides on you computer, or they can be web-based. Here are a few examples of Instant Messengers:

• AOL Instant Messenger or AIM
• ICQ
• MSN Instant Messenger
• Trillian

Instant Messengers are programs that should be closely monitored to ensure your child's safety and well being.

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Recognize The Warning Signs

Here are a few warning signs to watch for when your child is using Instant Messaging software:

• Does your child wait until everyone is in bed to start using the Internet?
• Does your child use the Internet for long periods of time that might exceed 2 hours? This does not include doing research for school or homework.
• Does your child spend the majority of his or her time while on the Internet in chat rooms?
• Does your child minimize windows on the computer screen when you presence is noticed? This is a good indication that he or she is trying to hide something from you.

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