At the turn of the millennia, we all started to adapt and incorporate the internet into our daily lives. We use them on our computers, phones, televisions, calculators, transportation, etc. We use it everywhere including at school, work and home. Although the internet is a great resource and provides us with many opportunities to improve our education and daily life functions, there are many dangers that lurk on the Internet that everyone should be aware about, especially for minors. The picture below is a link to a summarized guide to internet safety. Also, it can translate into spanish for those who need it. Click on the picture now to read on Internet Safety.
Some Rules to Internet Safety:
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- 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.
Go to netsmartz for more information.
Here are also some guidelines for parents/guardians to their children:
This can be found on the FBI website (A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety)
Cyber bullying
A child may encounter bullying or aggressive behavior from other students in school, and they may be subject to bullying on the internet. So-called "cyber bullies" may send derogatory words or images through the Internet or an electronic device such as a cell phone, in order to harass, embarrass, humiliate, and threaten their target. Other forms of bullying include password hacking, identity theft and blackmail. Many kids may be equally likely to become bullies or victims. While some are anonymous, cyber bullies are often kids who are known by a child from their school, camp, community group, or neighborhood.
It is important to talk openly with children about how to handle cyber bullying issues. If your child encounters a form of cyber bullying, remember that bullies thrive on the reactions of their targets. Children should avoid escalating the situation by refraining from responding to the bully. Parents should contact the school Administration or your local authorities if the problem arrises. Be sure to save all messages, including dates and time.
Below is a video on Cyber Bullying:
- to never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they met on- line;
- to never upload (post) pictures of themselves onto the Internet or on-line service to people they do not personally know;
- to never give out identifying information such as their name, home address, school name, or telephone number;
- to never download pictures from an unknown source, as there is a good chance there could be sexually explicit images;
- to never respond to messages or bulletin board postings that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, or harassing;
- that whatever they are told on-line may or may not be true.
This can be found on the FBI website (A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety)
Cyber bullying
A child may encounter bullying or aggressive behavior from other students in school, and they may be subject to bullying on the internet. So-called "cyber bullies" may send derogatory words or images through the Internet or an electronic device such as a cell phone, in order to harass, embarrass, humiliate, and threaten their target. Other forms of bullying include password hacking, identity theft and blackmail. Many kids may be equally likely to become bullies or victims. While some are anonymous, cyber bullies are often kids who are known by a child from their school, camp, community group, or neighborhood.
It is important to talk openly with children about how to handle cyber bullying issues. If your child encounters a form of cyber bullying, remember that bullies thrive on the reactions of their targets. Children should avoid escalating the situation by refraining from responding to the bully. Parents should contact the school Administration or your local authorities if the problem arrises. Be sure to save all messages, including dates and time.
Below is a video on Cyber Bullying:
Internet Safety Resources
(click on the brown buttons to check out the websites)
Netsmartz is a great website for kids, teens and adult for using the Internet. This website has videos on safety regarding different devices.
The FBI website has other resources for general safety. This button will take you to their Internet Safety Page.
Kids Health has more on Internet Safety, and other health issues that we should be aware.