to worry about DD using a chat room type website

[stirfry]

DD is 9 and has been going on a website called 'bin weevils' that is aimed at kids. The kids create their own 'weevil', its a cute little creature that lives in bins (go figure, but kids love it )

Now the kids can make their 'weevils' talk to each other but its not like some sites where what you can say is limited to a few prefixed phrases, On this you can basically say anything. Its like MSM messenger but talking through these creatures. I have only just realised this tonight (bad mum emocion)

Hope this is making sense.

This evening I went into lounge to see what DD was up to on PC. She was on this site. A bubble came up from another 'weevil' saying "hi Pumkin". so i said who thats? DD said "it my boyfriend".

Manage to find out from DD that she has been talking to this boy online for the last week. She doesn't know who he is. Looked at their converstion log and he had been telling her that she was "pretty" and calling her things like "honey" and "babe"

So watch her for a bit, alarm bells ringing

Then he says " do you like me?"
DD types "yes"
DD then types "how old are you"
Boy starts saying daft things like '0' as though he is avoiding question, DD asked him 6 times in total and he still doesn't tell her.

I told DD to come off computer and I have told her that she is not to go on this website againg. Tried to gently warn her about people not always being who they seem etc, But she doesn't get in and is upset.

TBH she can stay upset as long as she wants because she is not going back on it but I just wondered if I am over reacting.

I also found out from DD that a neighbours daughter has also been going on this same website and also has a 'boyfriend'. So I went over and told her mum what I had found out and she was horrified.I felt really mean but I hope I've done the right thing.

[saadia]

You have absolutely done the right thing, not over-reacting at all, the conversation sounds so creepy.

[Bubble99]

You have definitely done the right thing.

[Bubble99]

These sites are magnets for paedophiles.

[stirfry]

Its worrying how easy it is for kids to find these sites!

[pointydog]

I think it's absolutely right to worry about it. You have been very sensible.

[elsiepiddock]

You have done the right thing, no children should be on these sites.

[stirfry]

This is the reason that our computer is in the lounge, so i can see what the kids are upto so I can't believe she was doing it for a week and I didn't notice.

I'm going to have a lot at parental controls to see if i can somehow block it

[misselizabethbennet]

YANBU in the slightest. Well done for spotting it so quickly. Even this is another child it's not nice.

[PhantomOfTheChocolateCakeAvena]

OMG!

ds(9) uses a site called runescape. They are not allowed to swear/say certain words. They also have to do tutorials on internet safety first to make sure they are safe. It includes things like what to do if someone asks your name/school/email address. They take this really seriously. The Lego web site is good aswell as they are all pre-selected sentences. I don't think she should be using the site she's been on.

[pingping]

Why not try and trick the other person pretend to be your DD and see what the op says to you. YANBU by the way