Internet Safety
What you must know before using the Internet!
The Internet
The Internet is a very powerful tool. It has changed the way children network with the world. Through the Internet, children have access to profound knowledge, tools to show their knowledge, and access to people from all over the globe.
Even though the Internet is an amazing tool for children, there are many risks associated with it. Some examples of these risks are cyber bullying, exposure to inappropriate material, online predators, and children can reveal too much personal information.
Tips!
- Protect your identifying information such as name, sex, age, address, etc.
- Mark privacy settings so only your friends can see your information.
- Make your username and online profile nonspecific and anonymous
- Never share passwords, account IDs, or PINS with others.
(Except with your parents/guardians)
- Know how to exit an inappropriate website
- Beware of attachments in e-mails from people you do not know.
These attachments can hold viruses and worms.
- Only share pictures with friends. Do not make them available to everyone.
- Be aware that chat room friends are not always who they say they are. Be skeptical
of all new people you meet online.
- Think before you post anything!!
- Don’t put up with bullies. Ignore or block anyone who is being mean to you.
- Tell a trusted adult if something happens online that makes you uncomfortable
or upset.
Using the Internet Ethically
- Don’t play games on your computer while in class.
- Don’t download irrelevant information on school computers
- Do not illegally download music or media.
- Do not copy materials without the permission of the author.
- Reading academic notes on your computer during class is acceptable.
- Only surf informative website during school time.
- Don’t be afraid to correct a friend if he or she is not using the Internet correctly.
Things to Remember
- Your parents are not spying on you! You parents should be monitoring what you are doing online. This is for your safety only.
- Online strangers are real and unsafe. When in doubt, ask an adult if they think it is safe for you to be friends with someone online.
- Cyber bullying is never acceptable! Always tell an adult if someone is bothering you online.
- Before you post something mean about someone online, think about how you would feel if someone said that about you.
- Online posts are not private, regardless of your privacy settings. What you post online can be the initial impression you make to your friends, your friend’s parents, teachers, college admissions officers, and future employers.
- Always talk to your parents or a trusted adult about what happens online.
Article: Internet Safety and Teens Today
The article below talks about the importance of education teenagers on Internet safety at schools in the US. The author, Cheyenne Grey discusses an Internet safety project done by students to raise understanding of Internet safety and to prepare students to safely use social networks and search engines.
Resources
Faezi, A. (2012, March 31). Ethical Internet Usage. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK_ln3iI2TI
Google Family Safety. (2010, July 5). Playing and Staying Safe Online. YouTube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmdWToVnWkA
Grey, C. (2011). Internet Safety and Teens Today. Library Media Collection. 32-33. Retrieved from http://0-ehis.ebscohost.com.uncclc.coast.uncwil.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=3b46945e-8417-4094-ac18-f70cc713313e%40sessionmgr115&vid=4&hid=104
i-Safe Inc. (2012). Internet Safety Tips for Students and Parents. Retrieved from http://www.isafe.org/outreach/media/media_tips
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. (2013). Basic Internet Safety. Retrieved from http://www.netsmartz.org/internetsafety
True Care: awareness online. (2013). Internet Safety for Kids and Teens. Retrieved from http://www.truecare.com/for-kids