Survey shows danger of chatrooms

A survey showed 7% had met someone from a chatroom

More than 7% of children say they have met somebody from an internet chatroom without checking with their parents.

This is the finding of a survey of more than 2,300 young people carried out by Wiltshire County Council's Youth Development Service.

The questionnaire also found that 11% had felt uncomfortable with a conversation they had in a chatroom.

Wiltshire Police has now launched a stay safe campaign which it hopes will highlight the dangers of chatrooms.

The "Who's Webwise" campaign, aimed at young net users during the end-of-term school break, promotes a six point plan.

Advice includes not giving out personal details, never arranging to meet people from chatrooms, and never to respond to messages that are disturbing.

Sergeant Roger Bull from Wiltshire Police said: "The internet can be fun and educational but it also allows the young access into an insecure cyberspace world.

"We want to help young people realise the importance of staying safe in chatrooms."