“It is like, totally anonymous, so no one worries about getting in trouble. Lots of kids would never do this stuff in the ‘real world.’” —13 year old boy
Six Things to Remember for Web Safety
1.Some people lie. 2.You can’t control who will see your posting. 3.Strangers can find you using information you share. 4.It’s not your fault if you receive inappropriate material. 5.Parents/guardians care and want you safe. 6.Rules from “real life” apply.
(1) Some people lie.
Think you know that cute boy you’ve been instant messaging for hours?
He may be lying about who he is.
Meet James David Carol, age 51.
Convicted in California trying to meet a 14-year-old he found online
Never agree to meet an online “friend” without your parents’ knowledge. 1.The biggest danger to your Internet safety is getting together with someone you “meet” online. 2.You can never be positive that people you meet online are who they say they are. 3.Discuss all your meeting plans with your parents.
(2) Anyone might see what you post.
Really embarrassing
Never post anything on the Web that you wouldn’t want the whole world to see or know.
Anyone Can See and Read What You Post: Friends Teachers Mom, Dad, Grandma Coaches Your future boss Your chosen college Neighbors
Think before you post. ANY information posted on the Web can last FOREVER, even if you have deleted it yourself. Photos, videos, blogs, etc.
(3) Strangers can find you based on what you share online.
Never Share Personal Information Online: Photo Name Address Name of your school Names of any sport teams Phone numbers Names of malls near you Any private information
Keep their information private too. Keep your private information private. Protect your friends and family.
Never open from strangers or click on any attachments.
Don’t reply to unknown screen names on IMs.
Don’t use your Web camera with strangers.
(4) It isn’t your fault if you get a message that makes you feel uncomfortable.
If you get a message that is hostile or inappropriate, don’t respond. Instead, show the message to your parents or trusted adult to see if there is anything that can be done to put a stop to it.
If you access an inappropriate Web site 1. Tell a grown-up... meanwhile 2. Use the back button or reduce the window
(5) Your parents & guardians care & want you to be safe.
Talk with Your Parents About Ground Rules for Going Online Communicating with your parents doesn’t mean you have to give up your privacy. Reasonable limits can help keep you safe. This includes: –when you can go online –how long you can stay online –what you can do online.
(6) Rules from “real life” apply.
Never use the Internet to harass or bully others. It’s easy to be mean when you’re not face to face. It seems safe and anonymous, but you can still be caught. It could be criminal.
Courtesy Kindness Modesty Dignity Respect for the law Respect for others
Find the “good” online Good friends Good Web sites Good games — and enjoy!
Information on Web Safety was found at:
Acknowledgement: Office of the Minnesota Attorney General Library Media Services for the Hopkins Public Schools Any Questions?