Internet Safety

Tips for Students

As a student, the internet is a large and important part of your life. Just like wearing a helmet to protect you on a bicycle, learn these tips to protect you as you interact with the World Wide Web.

  • Never list your home address or home phone number.
  • Be careful about who you allow to access to your personal information; make sure you know the person outside of the internet before granting them access.
  • Do not send pictures or personal information to someone you do not know, even if they seem like a nice person.
  • People you do not know on the internet are the same as people you do not know in real life. If you would not talk to a stranger walking down the street, why would you talk to them online?
  • If someone sends you inappropriate messages or makes you feel uncomfortable, tell your parents and they can contact the appropriate authorities.

Resources for Students:

http://www.netsmartzkids.org/indexFL.htm

http://www.nsteens.org/

http://www.att.com/Common/images/safety/game.html

http://ikeepsafe.org/

Tips for Parents

As a parent, keeping your child safe is a top priority. As your children become more involved with the internet, keep these tips in mind to keep your child safe.

  • Create a list of rules regarding your child’s internet use: what they can and cannot post, how much time they are allowed to spend on the computer, and what websites they can visit.
  • Enlist the help of parental controls built into popular web browsers and software so that your child can only access websites that you deem appropriate.
  • Check your computer’s history to see where your child spends most of their time while online.
  • Talk to your child about being safe online. Remind them that not everyone is who they say they are and that the internet can be dangerous if not used properly.
  • Encourage your child to come to you immediately if they ever encounter anything inappropriate or unsettling on the internet.
  • If your child is ever solicited or made uncomfortable by inappropriate behavior online, contact your local District Attorney and Sheriff’s office.

Resources for Parents:

http://www.netsmartz.org/Parents

http://www.isafe.org/

http://www.connectsafely.org/

http://www.safekids.com/

http://ikeepsafe.org/