Opinions of Female Juvenile Delinquents about Their Interactions in Chat Rooms

The purpose of this study was to survey the opinions of 62 adolescent females residing in a correctional facility about their use of the Internet to participate in chat room conversations. Findings indicated that 54 of 62 girls (87.09%), with a mean age of 16.72 years, participated in chat room interactions. Most (n = 47) interacted in chat rooms using either a computer from their home or from a friend's home. Of those engaging in chat room conversations, 47 (87%) revealed they spent an average of 9.85 hours per week interacting in these settings. Additionally, 70% (38 of 54) indicated they had been asked to be involved in sexual behaviors. Forty-four of the 54 participants offered suggestions for other teens about the dangers of chat room conversations. Findings are discussed in reference to qualitative research describing chat room conversations. The high incidence of participants engaging in these types of settings, and the implications of chat room interactions, particularly for teens who also may have language problems are addressed. From the 62 tips offered by participants, the researchers examined the information [suggestions] and questioned whether teens understand the seriousness of possible harmful and manipulative interactions in these settings. Even though study findings are considered preliminary, suggestions are offered for correctional educators to warn adolescents of the potential dangers of online chat room conversations.