How safe are video chats like TokBox?
TokBox's popularity is spreading because it makes video chatting super easy, plus it allows kids to call up to 20 of their friends at once. TokBox works directly from your browser -- you just log into the Web site -- and it's totally free. All you need to use it is a computer with an Internet connection and a webcam.
TokBox's popularity is spreading because it makes video chatting super easy, plus it allows kids to call up to 20 of their friends at once. TokBox works directly from your browser -- you just log into the Web site -- and it's totally free. All you need to use it is a computer with an Internet connection and a webcam.
Of course, all chatting is a target for misuse. Video chatting has an especially shadowy online representation in the form of video chat rooms used for sexual purposes. Obviously, you want to tell your kids never to do this -- and never to allow others in their network to do it.
Another thing to watch out for is the program's ability to record video to send to friends. Here's where it's absolutely crucial not to post anything that might embarrass you or get you into serious trouble. Remind kids that once something is captured on video, it can last forever and can be broadcast and viewed by vast anonymous audiences.
Responsible computer behavior also includes adhering to time limits and limiting multitasking. It's just not good for kids to be on the computer all the time. They need a balanced life of actual engaging activities for healthy social development.
Once you've covered the ground rules, think about ways that this tool can enhance your digital life. While the ability to talk to a lot friends at once is the big draw, kids can also use TokBox (and other video-chat applications) for schoolwork, clubs, and travel.
I don't use video chat too often, sometimes I'll do it over Xbox Live with my friends or occasionally over Windows Messenger. Some of my friends use video chat in school just for fun, and find random people to talk with, its funny to see their reactions when five of us are standing around a webcam and dancing or something along those lines.
---Directed to silman----
Did you ever inform your daughter about the dangers of the internet before this happened? If so, then you have reason to be upset with her. However, if you didn't tell her about what goes on over the internet, then the fault is on you. You didn't prepare her, you didn't tell her what she shouldn't put online. I think 10 is a bit young to be doing video chat anyways. However, do not completely cut her off from the online world. Explain to her calmly, and I repeat, CALMLY, why you are concerned, and tell her never to release her hometown, address, phone number, name, etc online. And as for "kid friendly language", face it, your daughter is going to hear all sorts of "bad words" at school, its practically impossible for you to totally shield her from the outside world. I would personally recommend age 13 or so being the minimum for video chatting, just to be on the safe side. Try not to make her feel too bad, her intent was just to have fun with her friends.
I gotta say ,I think you folks are living in LA LA LAND ! Read the following and decide. I recently discovered my 10 year old girl is using tokbox to video chat with her school mates(10 of them all girls). I discovered she was using tokbox , by googling her name. I found her photo , her full name, town and other info, right there listed as a tokbox member !!!! In addition she had herself listed as being 29 years old. Somewhat by mistake, you see the web site operators wont allow a user to enter a birthdate before 1996 ??? I dont know why, theres no kid friendly language or tips on the web site. I also noted that almost all her 10 year old friends have posted there full name on there public profiles. These kids simply dont know about proper procedure or protocol. Shouldnt the web site operator provide for better safe guards of information to protect young children ? At a min it should be goof proof so no child can place there full name and town in public veiw. I personally think its negligence. The real shoker was upon prompting my daughter to immediately modify her profile, i saw that she had to VIDEO messages from two very very unsavory characters !!! one was from usa, one was for Algeria ? She sheepishly clicked ignore on each message. If i had it to do over i would have accepted invite to see the videos message content.I then would access them later using her password. I am very disturbed with this matter , the me looked every bit like pedophiles ( yes they did), God knows what was on those video messages. My daughter obviously looks like a child on her profile, did they respond because contact her because her age was wrongly stated at 29 ? I am going to speak with the other parents of the girls that use tokbox. its potentially just a really good way to victimize a child. I dont like it AT ALL
i think some parents need to understand that no website is safe so they need to be prepared for anything that comes up
Yep, they both use iChat. I like it, because you need to accept or decline VC (video chat) invitations, and you can block whoever makes you feel uncomfortable. Also, you need to know the person you are instant messaging or VCing screename otherwise you can't contact them through VC or IM.