Online Safety

MXit on protecting its users and guidelines for parents:

• The chat rooms are moderated up to 14 hours a day.
• MXit recently launched its chatroom blocking feature that allows parents to block the chat capability on MXit.
• Users are encouraged to report any abuse they may have experienced on MXit.  This can be done on MXit by sending a “.rat” command to MXit.  This command gives MXit the authority to see the last 30 string of this conversation from reporting. A moderator will then intercept within 6 to 12 hours of reporting. 
• MXit does not store any personal information, including user profiles, personal details or photographs on its servers.  The only way a message or photo can be saved is by the user.
• Chat rooms contain profanity filters, and most are age restricted too. You can also set up your own chatroom, and password protect it, so the only way that someone can gain access to a chat room is if the user invites them in.
• Every time a user enters a chat zone he or she is reminded to keep all personal details private.
• A user’s identity remains anonymous when he or she is in a dynamic chat zone.
• MXit suspends or bans users that abuse its technology and will continue to assist authorities to stop abusers of its network.

MXit has always stressed the importance of education and responsible online behavior in a technological advancing world. In addition to the safety regulations that is constantly reminding its users of, it has also developed a set of guidelines for parents:

Guidelines for parents:

• Understanding the environment in which your child communicates is of utmost importance, so install MXit.  You wouldn’t let your child stay over at a friends’ house without getting to know the family, so spend some time on MXit so that you understand where your child is interacting.
• Have an open and honest discussion with your child.  Tell them about the potential dangers and ask them to tell you if they ever feel that someone is not who they say they are (teens are switched on to this).
• Allocate the amount of time your child can spend on MXit and use your mobile to monitor this.
• If you notice that your child’s time on MXit suddenly drops, check to see if he / she has a secret phone (it could simply mean that they are out of airtime, but check nevertheless).
• Check your child’s contact list regularly and follow up with them if there is anyone that you don’t feel comfortable with.
• Constantly remind your child (every day if you need to) not to hand out their personal information on MXit.
• Tell your child that he / she should never, under any circumstances, agree to a private offline chat with a stranger.
• Help your child understand that they should never forward or post pictures that could cause embarrassment if passed on.
• If your child fails to heed your warnings and advice, simply install the chat room blocking feature.  The educational route is advisable, as children will always find another way to communicate, whether or not on MXit.