Internet Safety
Top 10 Tips for Being Safe Online:
#1 Rule: You should always have a trusted adult with you, like a parent or grandparent, when you are online.
2. The internet is a community and, like in the community we live in, there are some places to visit that are not appropriate for kids. Know that there are both safe and unsafe places on the internet for kids. That's why when you are online, you should be online with a trusted adult.
3. We should practice good manners and not say (email, blog, text, etc.) mean things
4. Do not talk (email, instant message, texting, etc.) to strangers. Any person on the internet you don’t know in real life is a stranger--no matter how much or how long you "think" you know them. A stranger is anyone you don't know in REAL life. Again, it doesn’t matter how much or how long you’ve known them “online”. A stranger does not have to look scary either!
5. You should have the help of a responsible adult when sending, receiving, or reading email
6. Because you don’t see people you talk to online face-to-face, that person may not be who he/she really says he/she is!
7. Never give out personal information such as your name, home address, email address, school name, telephone number or your picture on the Internet without your parent's permission.
8. Never write to someone on the Internet who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared.
9. Do not ever meet someone or have them visit you without the permission of your parents.
10. Tell your parents or another trusted adult right away if you read anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.
What to Do?
If contacted by a Stranger?
Tell a trusted adult. Do not give out personal information or photos. Block them. Set privacy settings to "family and friends" only.
If seeing something suspicious or uncomfortable?
Tell a trusted adult. Block the person. Set your privacy settings to "family and friends" only.
If being cyberbullied?
Tell a trusted adult. Block the person. Save the evidence by taking a screenshot and share with appropriate authorities such as the school district and/or police.
If needing to protect your personal information?
Shred documents you mean to throw out that contain personal information. Only go to websites that are credible. When inputting personal information, only do so on secure sites that say "https" and have a "lock" symbol in the URL and with parent permission. Know that everything you post can be seen by anyone, anywhere, at anytime--even if you delete the post! And, even if you set your settings to "friends only". (There are ways strangers can get around blocks). So, if you really want to secure your privacy, don't post anything you don't want the whole world to know.
Tips:
Use different passwords for all your accounts. If you think an account was leaked, change the password. Save your passwords in a password manager and/or write them down on paper.
Create a unquie, strong password for each of your accounts. "Strong" means your password contains a number, letter, Capital letter, and a symbol. It makes it harder for hackers to crack!
Enable Two-Factor Authentication for your email and other accounts. So, even if your password ends up in the wrong hands, it will reduce the chances of someone else getting into your account.
To Be Safe & Practice Digital Etiquette?
Be nice. Only post what you would say face-to-face. Proof read before you post. Never click on links that seem suspicious or from a person or agency who you are not familiar with (it could be a scam, virus or phishing scheme).
Internet Safety Websites, Videos & Games
Other Great Websites on Internet Safety:
Cyberbullying [Teens/Mature Teens ]- A Teen Health guide that describes cyberbullying, online safety and features a stress and coping center
Cyberbullying.ca [ Kids/Teens/Mature Teens ]- Discusses recognition and prevention of intimidation by email, IM, web sites and other internet or high-technology media.
FBI Kids Page[ Includes Grades 6-8 ]- Offers Internet safety tips for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Also offers information about the FBI and games.
NetSmartz- Middle and High School [ Includes Grades 6-12]- Offers Internet safety tips, games and videos for teens and older kids.
NetSmartz- Elementary [ Includes Grades K-5]- Offers Internet safety tips, games and videos for elementary age kids
NetSmartz Kids [ Includes Grades K-5]- Includes Internet safety tips, games, videos and activities for elementary age kids
Stop Cyberbullying[ Kids/Teens ]- Cyberbullying, Flaming and Cyberstalking information for kids, tweens and teens.
NetSmartz Kids - Uses comics and videos to explain how to use the internet safely and avoid cyber-bullies and predators.
Teen Health: Online Safety [Teens ]- Offers Internet safety tips including information on how to keep your personal information private.
Connect Safely [Teens ]- Provides information about staying safe online. Includes articles about protecting your privacy, and links to other online safety resources.
The Internet, Relationships & YOU! [Ages 13-18] - Get the inside information on staying safe while having fun online. Identify what is and is not a healthy relationship.
Internet Safety Videos!
- Brain Pop - 11 videos on a variety of topics from hacking to cyberbullying including videos on blogs, cell phones, cloud computing, digital etiquette, information privacy, and more!)
Before you download or click that link....THINK!
Is that website legit??
Is that file SAFE??!
Are You Staying Safe Online?
