5.1 Safe practice relating to the use of ICT for communication

Table of Contents

1. Using ICT for communication
   1. Electronic mail
   2. Setting up e-mail accounts
   3. Free e-mail services
   4. Sending and receiving e-mails
   5. Using attached files
   6. Size of attached files
   7. Using zipped files
   8. Virus checking
   9. Implementing virus checking
   10. Anti-virus software
   11. Managing e-mails
   12. E-mail folders
   13. Combating Spam
   14. E-mail etiquette
   15. Netiquette
   16. Using news groups
   17. E-mailing multiple recipients
   18. Closing an e-mail account
   19. Using chat rooms
   20. Acceptable practice in chat rooms
   21. More about chat rooms
   22. Secure servers
   23. Scanning and saving images

Acceptable practice in chat rooms

There has been increasing concern about the use of chat rooms for "grooming". "Grooming" is the term given to interaction between an adult and a child with an end view of sexualising that relationship. "Grooming" is illegal. You need to advise younger clients as to how they can keep themselves safe by keeping personal information to themselves and never agreeing to meet alone in person anyone they have a chat room-friendship with.

You must make adult users of chat rooms aware of what is acceptable when they are using computers in the library - this may be more restrictive than when using home PCs.

Let's look at some places where you can find out More about chat rooms ...