Internet Safety

INTERNET SAFETY TIPS FOR CHILDREN

The Internet can be a great place to connect with friends, do research, play games and explore hobbies and interests. Like the physical world, you should take steps to play safe. Protect yourself online by following a few simple rules:

• Discuss rules for Internet use with your parent(s)/guardian(s). Together you can set the time of day, the length of time online and what areas you can visit. Do not break these rules - they are for your safety.
• Never use your real name. Use a different name that does not attract inappropriate attention.
• Never talk to strangers online.
• Do not give out personal information such as address, phone number, where you attend school, your friend’s names, what sports teams you play on, your daily schedule etc. Never share your password with anyone other than your parent/guardian.
• Tell your parent/guardian if you come across any information that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Do not send pictures or anything else to someone without checking with your parent/ guardian first.  Online is like a secret world, you never know who you are really talking to.
• Never agree to meet anyone you have become friends with online. Tell your parent/ guardian and only go if they agree to the meeting. Be sure to meet in a public place and bring your parent/guardian along.
• Ignore messages that are mean or make you feel uncomfortable. Tell your parent/ guardian so they take steps to protect you.
• Never download or install software without your parent/guardian present.
• Do not accept email, files, links, or URLs from people you don’t know.  The people who sent them might be trying to hurt your computer or gain information about you or your family.
• Never do anything that hurts others or is against the law. Behave online as you behave in person
• Introduce your online friends to your parent/guardian just as you would introduce your real friends.
• Talk to your parents about how to learn and have fun online.

MOST IMPORTANTLY NEVER PROVIDE PERSONAL INFORMATION OR ARRANGE TO MEET SOMEONE YOU MET ONLINE.  YOU MIGHT THINK YOU ARE TALKING TO SOMEONE YOUR AGE, BUT INSTEAD YOU MIGHT ACTUALLY BE TALKING TO SOMEONE MUCH OLDER WHO IS ONLY TALKING TO YOU FOR INAPPROPRIATE REASONS WHICH COULD GET YOU HURT.