Skype

[deanna]

My grandsons aged 13 and 16 are on Skype. Is it a safe way of them seeing and talking to their friends?

[barry1010]

It is very safe. They (or you) can set each Skype account so that they can only be contacted by people in their contact list.
With headphones they can talk to each other, or they can use it as an instant messenger with several friends joining in at once.

[barry1010]

For extra security, they should set up their accounts with nicknames, not their real names. They should put as little info as possible for public display.

[deanna]

Thank you barry 1010 - just thought I would check - Maybe I am an overprotective granny!

[Leggendisgod]

its very similar to chatting on msn or on gmail.

set the profile to not show their real names .

always good to have a wee look over the shoulders ocassionally


you never know if you dont look .

[Gromit]

It is no different than them talking on a mobile or landline, the only difference is, it is free.

Your grandsons should be commended for their frugalness.

[ACtheTROLL]

if it's on the net ... it's not safe ... there is no such thing ... but then neither is going to the shop ... or crossing the road
or as has been said ... using a mobile

the only reasonable level of security is mum, dad or granny sitting in earshot ... or watching them

but then these days ... that infringes their human rights