The bottom line, however, is that the children need to be taught not to "talk to strangers" on their DS systems. If someone they don't know tries to PictoChat with them - even when they're at school on the playground or at the mall - log off. Don't talk to people you don't already know.
The Nintendo DS Instruction Manual does address the privacy / security issue, as follows:
System Setup and Privacy Information
PictoChat (see page 16) is not an internet application. However, when
using PictoChat, you can communicate with up to 15 other Nintendo DS users within range of your DS (approximately 65 feet). Such users will be able to see your nickname and messages. To protect your privacy, do not give out personal information such as last name, phone number, age, e-mail or home address when communicating with others.
An adult should assist children with system setup and instruct them not to use personal information. Children should be warned about communicating with or meeting strangers.
During system setup, whatever date you choose to enter as your month/day of birth (year is not asked for), an "It's your birthday" message will be communicated in the chat room on that date.
For more information on wireless communication and privacy, visit our web site at http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/dsprivacy.
I felt this was worth sharing, since this danger is mentioned on page 10 of the DS instruction booklet (which most parents are unlikely to read) and since Nintendo specifies that the range for the wireless feature is 65 feet, but in the FOX News test it worked from over 300 feet. This is not the end of the world, just a good argument for a bit of caution and education.
