Technology can help us: Communicate with others Gather information Share ideas Be entertained Technology has improved our quality of life!

But technology must be used appropriately

A Checklist For Safe Surfing Never give any information out about yourself (or anyone else) over the Internet. Be very careful when choosing files to download to your computer. If anyone online says anything inappropriate to you, harasses you, or sends you unwanted , report it to someone. Remember that on the Internet, people can pretend to be who they are not, and they may go to great lengths to sound convincing. If you use chat rooms, use a different chat name (if possible) than your user name or address. Remember, Internet friendships, relationships, and conversations can never be as true, personal, and rewarding as they are in person. Be wary of ANYONE who wants to know personal information about you. If you feel like you have no one you can turn to or talk to at home, you can call a place called 'Covenant House,' at

Cell Phone Safety Cell phones have helped us to: Communicate with others quickly Communicate with others while away from home Take pictures Access the internet without a computer

But cell phones can also be misused: Cyberbullying Sharing inappropriate pictures Predators targeting young people

Cell Phone Safety Tips

1. Protect Your Privacy Only give phone numbers to people you know and trust Never reply to text messages from people you don’t know Make sure you know how to block others from calling your phone

2. Respect others Think about how a text message might be read before you send it Never give anyone else’s phone number out without asking them if it is OK first Never take pictures of anyone with your phone without their permission

3. Use Common Sense Never meet anyone in real life who you only know through text messaging. Why?

Consequences of inappropriate cell phone use Why is cell phone use regulated at school? What are the rules for cell phone use at our school? What are the consequences for breaking these rules?

Sexting What is it? The sending of sexual messages or sexually explicit photos via cell phone. What are the consequences of sexting : Sexting has some serious consequences not only for the person sending the messages and photos, but also for the person on the receiving end. You should be aware of the emotional consequences of sexting, but the legal ramifications as well. For instance, most of the time sexting involves minors, so photos are considered child pornography. As a result, sending or receiving these messages is a crime.

Internet Safety The internet can be a great place to learn, be entertained and share ideas.

But the internet can be misused: Predators targeting young people Identity theft Inappropriate web sites Cyberbullying Internet addiction

Internet Safety Tips

1. Stick to monitored chat and messaging sites. Stay away from private and unmonitored sites. 2. Save private messaging for family and friends. 3. Don’t flirt or talk about sex with people you do not know. 4. Don’t share private information about your friends and family online. 5. Never plan a face to face meeting with someone you met online. 6. Tell an adult if a conversation with someone online makes you uncomfortable.

Never share private information with someone you do not know Personal Information Private Information Age Gender Favorite music, color, food Pets Opinions Full name Street address address Phone numbers Passwords Credit card numbers Social Security numbers Mother’s maiden name

Identity Theft Identity Theft is when someone uses someone else’s private information to pretend to be them. They may use the information to buy things, apply for loans, credit cards or a driver’s license. Protect your private information!

Cyberbullying When someone uses technology (cell phones, instant messaging, chat rooms or social networking sites) to intimidate, threaten or harass another person, this is cyberbullying. Students sometimes don’t realize that a comment or picture that is put on the internet, may quickly be seen by hundreds of others.

The consequences for cyberbullying are severe, both for the victim and the bully. The victim may feel embarrassed, humiliated or ostracized, and may seek revenge. The perpetrator may face school and legal sanctions.

How can you prevent cyberbullying? Don’t pass on hurtful text or instant messages. Before you send or pass on a message, ask yourself these three questions: Is it true? Is it kind? Does it really need to be shared? Don’t take photos of others without their permission Don’t allow others to take your photo with their cell phone

If you find yourself a victim of cyberbullying: Leave the chat room or website immediately Sign off your computer Never reply to an inappropriate question from someone Make a copy of all inappropriate s, text messages or instant messages Learn how to block messages from others Talk to a friend that you trust You can also use the Anonymous Alert system link on the school website: genevahs.genevacountyschools.com if it is someone at our school.

Keep it Safe

Resources Material used for this presentation was gathered in part from Are-The Consequences-Of-Sexting.htm