While the Internet offers amazing opportunities for entertainment, education, connectivity, and more, anyone who goes online should understand basic Online Safety. Teaching these basics is essential.
- When asked by friends or strangers, online or offline, never share Account IDs and Passwords.
- Don't reveal any personal identity information in your Screen Names, such as your birthday, hobbies, hometown or school.
- In any information exchange, like e-mail or chat, never give any personal information about yourself or someone else.
- Don't share photos of yourself, your family, or your home with people you meet online.
- Never open e-mails that come from unknown sources - DELETE them.
- If you receive mean or threatening comments online, don't respond. Log off and report the activity to your parents.
- Nothing you write on the Web is completely private. Be careful what you write and to whom.
- Never make plans to meet an online "friend" in person.
- WHEN IN DOUBT: Always ask your parents for help. If you're not sure, log off.
Resources:
Online interactive Internet Safety books/Activities:
Little Red in Cyberspace (k-5)
Little Red Games on Internet Safety
Surfing Safely (6-8)