• If you are taking part in a conversation that makes you uncomfy, simply close the chat, in the event they reopen the chat type /silence +<username> if this does not work, type /join #ophelp and seek advice.
• Never reveal anything about yourself that might allow strangers to locate you. That means keeping your last name, address, phone number, school or workplace private.
• If someone wishes to meet you tell your parents right away and do not go meet the person without parental supervision
• If you ever feel physically threatened, tell your parents straight away
• People may not be who they say they are. Be careful when making new friends online. There are people out there whom will try to exploit you - be careful at all times.

• Keep the computer in a public area of your house, speak to your child about there activities online.
• Make use of parental control software - most of these programs are easy to use and are designed to be parent friendly.
• Monitor your child's online time, do not allow them to be online for more than 3 hours at a time.

IrCQnet ChanOps are supporters of the Virtual Global Taskforce a free online service which looks to advise you and your child on the safest way to take part in chat rooms, instant messengers and other online activities - here are some brief tips from there website.

Please also remember IrCQnet ChanOps are not the police and we do not get involved with such problems online, while we offer advice to parents and teenagers alike we cannot actively get involved in the event that we do endanger a real investigation, if you are sure you or your child is at risk either consult #ophelp for help or follow some of the advice below from the Virtual Global Taskforce website

How do paedophiles find children online?

Adults target children through a variety of means – through member profiles in their Instant Message accounts, which often hold personal details and indicate their ages and which can be viewed publicly if a child hasn't requested otherwise. They will also ask young people who they have met online – for example in gaming sites, to add them to their friends contact lists so that they can chat to a children's network of friends. They also go to child-specific chat rooms and forums, to engage young people through deceit or flattery. From this public area they would then encourage the child to talk more privately through texting on mobile phone, or in instant messenger. Some abusers will send hoax letters via email to young people, purporting to be an organisation which they are interested in – and then hope that the child responds. Adults who want to contact children can do so quite easily online, since personal information is often not kept private in the same way that it would be online.

How do I know if my child is at risk

Children and young people may take part in all sorts of conversations and activities online with each other, some of which may be of a sexual nature. This is a normal part of growing up. However these kind of adolescent activities are very different from the activities and conversations that an individual with a sexual interest with children can initiate.

If you have any concerns about your child's activities on the Internet, or if you find any record of inappropriate images or conversations, talk to them about your concerns as you would about any other concerns. If you remain worried, or want some help and advice, there are a variety of organisations that can assist.

Are there any signs to indicate that my child is being groomed / abused online?

The vast majority of children are not being abused online and never will be. The following activities could be perfectly innocent but is worth being alert to potential signs:

1. becoming secretive;
2. downloading files onto discs; and
3. using encryption software.

Changes in your child's behaviour may act as indicators and these changes can include: a change in a child's self-esteem and self-confidence, withdrawal from the family and isolating themselves, difficulties at school, an increased level of anxiety, sleeping difficulties, concentration difficulties, and in some instances become excessively concerned with washing and cleanliness.

It is important to remember that these behaviours can be a normal part of growing up, so it is important to establish the reasons why these changes are occurring and to seek help and advice if you are concerned.

What can I do to protect my child online?

Go through the VGT safety rules with your child and reach agreement with your child about how they will behave online. You can also print out the safety rules and tape or stick them to the wall next to the computer.

We also recommend:

1. keeping the computer in a public area of your house;
2. using parental control software;
3. encouraging your child to use moderated chatrooms; and
4. notifying the police if you have concerns about someone your child has met online.

What can I do to stop online child abuse?

Follow the advice given on this and associated sites.

Always remain vigilant and careful in your use of the Internet, and report any illegal activity that you discover.

Never be tempted to carry out "vigilante" investigations on the Internet in an attempt to identify offenders. Such investigations can be counter-productive to ongoing law enforcement investigations, can put you into a position where you may risk breaking the law yourself and, most importantly, they can seriously endanger the safety of real children. Please leave work of this kind to law enforcement professionals.