In a recent blog about the surging popularity of virtual playgrounds like WebKinz, ZooKazoo and ClubPenguin (12 million kids between ages 3 and 17 will regularly access virtual worlds this year), ConnectSafely co-director Anne Collier says parents might consider advising their gamers to make sure that:

-Chat sticks strictly to game-related topics, nothing personal

-No private one-on-one chat with people unless about it's just about the game and they tell a parent about it

-They turn off their headphones or stop chatting if the trash talk gets to be too much

-They come talk to you if anyone starts getting too abusive or tries to get uncomfortably close or overly friendly.

Tell us: What other safety guidelines are discussed in your house?

Thanks,
Maureen

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Maureen Kochan
ConnectSafely forum manager