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. These opinions served as preliminary information to develop suggestions for correctional educators to warn adolescents of the potential dangers of online chat room conversations. Chat rooms provide opportunities for individuals to communicate with others all over the world. These interactions can occur without people revealing their identity and may include falsification of information. The survey found that 54 of 62 girls indicated they had participated in chat room interactions; 47 revealed that they spent an average of 9.85 hours a week interacting in these settings. Seventy-five percent noted that they had been asked to be involved in sexual behaviors while 81.48 percent of the adolescents revealed that although they were aware of the potential dangers of these settings, chat rooms were enjoyable. Though correctional educators are confronted with many important issues as they plan programs for troubled teens, confronting dangers on the Internet may represent an area worthy of consideration. Educators can warn teens of the implications of interacting in chat rooms, so adolescents are not easily misled. The growing number of teens engaging in chat room conversations, accessibility of chat rooms, and the reports of law enforcement about online sexual predators will continue to be an important concern of correctional educators and parents. Society must become more proactive and provide education to teenagers to help them interact safely if they choose to have conversations on the Internet, especially in chat rooms. References