Internet Safety

Keep Your Identity Private

If you're in any type of public forum, avoid giving out your full name, your mailing address, your telephone number, the name of your school, or any other information that could help someone determine your actual identity. The same applies to your family and friends. Never reveal anything about other people that could possibly get them into trouble. Keep all private information private. Private information that you should never give out on the Internet:

• Full name
• Home address
• Phone number
• Social Security number
• Passwords
• Names of family members
• Credit card numbers

Most credible people and companies will never ask for this type of information online. If someone does, it's a red flag that they may be up to no good.

Never Get Together with Someone You "Meet" Online

One of the greatest dangers to your safety is if you get together with someone you "meet" online. Remember, you never know for certain if people you meet online are who they say they are. If you do feel it's appropriate to meet with someone, discuss it with your parents and never go to the meeting alone. Arrange to meet in a public place like a coffee shop or mall that you, not just the other person, are familiar and comfortable, and never, never go alone. The safest procedure is to have your parents talk with the parents of the other person and for both of you to bring your parents along on the first meeting.

Email Address or Screen Names

Think carefully before you create an email address or screen name. Web experts recommend that you use a combination of letters and numbers in both, and, that you don't identify whether you're male or female.

Hostile Messages

Never Respond to e-mail, chat comments, Instant Messages or other messages that are Hostile, Belligerent, and Inappropriate or in any way make you feel uncomfortable. It isn't your fault if you get a message that is mean or in any way makes you feel uncomfortable. If you get such a message, don't respond. Instead, show it to your parents or a trusted adult to see if there is anything you can do to make it stop. Sending a response just encourages the person to send another message.

Talk with Your Parents

Talk with your Parents about their expectations and ground rules for going online. It's important that you and your parents are on the same "channel" when it comes to your online activities. This includes when you can go online, how long you can stay online, and what activities you can do online. Communicating with your parents doesn't mean that you have to give up your privacy. It just means that you come to an agreement based on mutual trust and understanding. While you're at it, perhaps you can help your parents better understand the Internet, what it can be used for, and how it is helpful for teens.

Chat Rooms

Use a nickname that's different from your screen name. If you ever find yourself in a conversation that makes you uncomfortable, you can exit without having to worry that someone knows your screen name and can track you down via email. Some people who hang out with their friends online set up private chat rooms where only they and the people they invite can enter to chat. If you ever get involved in a chat room conversation that makes you feel uncomfortable or in danger for any reason, exit and tell a parent or other adult right away so they can report the incident. You can also report it to the website of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.com. They have a form for reporting this type of incident called CyberTipline. They will forward such information to law enforcement officials for investigation.

Cyber Bullying

It's not just strangers who can make you feel uncomfortable online. Cyber bullying refers to cruel or bullying messages sent to you online. These might be from former friends or other people you know. They can be irritating and, in some cases, even frightening. If you get these bullying messages online, it's often better to ignore them rather than answer them. Cyber bullies, just like other bullies, may be angry or disturbed people, and may be looking for attention or a reaction. Fortunately, most people never experience cyber bullying, but if you're getting cyber bullied and ignoring it doesn't make it go away, seeking help from a parent, school counselor, or another trusted adult may be a good idea. That's especially true if the cyber bullying contains threats.

Online Annoyances

Although email is relatively private, hackers can still access it, or, add you to their spam lists. Spam, like advertisements, harassing or offensive notes, is annoying. Spam blockers can keep your mailbox from getting clogged. Many service providers will help you block out or screen inappropriate emails if your parents agree to set up age-appropriate parental controls. If you don't recognize the sender of a document or file that needs to be downloaded, delete it without opening it to avoid getting a virus on your machine. Virus protection software is a must for every computer. If you do invest in protective software, you'll need to keep it updated to be sure it continues to do its job as new technologies evolve.

References

http://www.safeteens.com/
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/internet_safety.html
http://www.wiredkids.org/
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=207

 

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