the Dangers of Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging is an amazing invention for keeping in touch with your friends and family but is also a place where Children can get bullied or groomed.

Instant Messaging is better than a chatroom website because it is closed, with only those who know your online user ID able to reach you. However if someone obtains your ID they can then send you a message and the danger arises from this.

Messages from existing or new users can easily become offensive or bullying at any time and could result in major stress to a child, which parents need to be aware of.

Instant Messaging also brings the added risk from files being transferred. The files transfered can be of dubious content or contain a virus which infects your computer

Instant Messaging can also be a place for infidelity where adults communicate with others, without the knowledge of their partner.

Further Information about Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging Bullying

Problems with Instant Messaging at work

What to do about Bullying On-line

The Solution

1) Web Filtering

Using a Web Filtering program like secureweb, you can block the use of Instant Messaging programs if you wish, and in a new release due out in early 2006, will provide the option to disable the File Transfer facility of Instant messaging, thereby providing better protection.

Recommended Web Filtering solution:-