There are many different programs that enable online communication with friends, acquaintances and complete strangers. There are online conversation platforms (chat rooms), as well as dedicated direct communication (instant messaging) programs - Skype, MSN, Yahoo, etc. 

When using direct communication programs (Skype, etc.), keep the following in mind: 

In the Internet environment it is very easy to pretend to be a completely different person, so rather keep in your contact list only those people you know in real life.

Be careful when somebody invites you to join his or her friend list - if you do not know this person, it is advisable to block him or her. Blocking will ensure that unknown people will not see when you log on to your profile and they will not be able to contact you. L Likewise, block and delete persons with whom you do not want to communicate. Don't be afraid – they will not know that you have blocked them; they will simply see that you are not online and they will not be able to contact you.

Do not include too much personal information in your profile and consider which photo to upload. It is probably better to choose one of the pictures offered by the program. Remember that the information contained in your profile will be visible to anyone; do you really think that this information is intended for everybody?

Using web cameras in conversations is becoming increasingly popular, but remember: such video records can be easily saved, copied and forwarded. It is also possible that the record you see is a counterfeit and the person appearing on the screen actually looks completely different. Therefore, is the use of web cameras is only recommended when chatting with people you know and who are familiar to you.

Maliciously-intentioned adults use such programmes to try to speak and get acquainted with children, therefore, if you believe that the person chatting to you is not what he or she claims to be or that this person is willing to harm you, it is better to inform somebody about this situation and immediately report the breach to the websitewww.drossinternets.lv.

When chatting online (in different chat rooms), keep the following in mind:

Chat rooms are a great place to keep in touch with friends that you meet or contact only rarely, as well as to find new friends, but also should also be careful here.

Even if you have been talking to your chat friend for a long time and you think you know him or her very well, remember – the fact that you have seen a photo or video of this person does not definitely mean that the person actually is what he or she pretends to be: technologies can help to fake one’s identity!

Do not disclose too many personal facts to your chat friends. You can never be completely sure on how your information will be used further – if you are not ready to scream out these facts on the street or reveal them to everyone at school, it is better not to reveal them in the chat.

Be careful when somebody invites you to join his or her friend list and conversation - if you do not know this person, it is advisable to block him or her. Blocking will ensure that unknown people will not see when you log on to your profile and they will not be able to contact you. Similarly block and delete persons with whom you do not want to communicate. Don't be afraid – they will not know that you have blocked them; they will only see that you are not online and they will not be able to contact you.

Furthermore, if you suspect a person of having different intentions than those he or she claims to have, or if the conversation seems very unpleasant to you – it is offensive, indecent, etc. – learn how to save the particular conversation and report a crime on the Internet atwww.drossinternets.lv.