Telkom reports that its chat site for teenagers has been inundated with visitors since its launch in May. The Web site, e*telpal (
www.etelpal.co.za
), has clocked up 500 000 visitors and 1 059 registered members in the past six weeks.
The site is aimed at youngsters between the ages of 12 and 19, offering online chat opportunities in a controlled and moderated environment. Also featuring limited educational content and interactive edutainment, the e*telpal Web site encourages users to chat to other young people about various interests.
Each e*telpal will be placed in a group of four to six e*telpals from around SA. The groups can then chat every weekday afternoon for 30 minutes each, between 2pm and 5pm. If at any time the moderator is not comfortable with a discussion taking place, a warning will be issued to the relevant e*telpal. If the e*telpal does not adhere to the warning, the moderator has the ability to boot the individual off the Web site.
Amanda Singleton, group executive of communication at Telkom, is thrilled with the response. "We were hoping to reach 500 000 hits within a year. We have been overwhelmed by the acceptance of the site by kids and teachers."
The site also features a "Teacher-to-Teacher" section offering a bulletin board and support material that can be printed and used in lessons.
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