Monday, November 24, 2008

ONLINE SAFETY TIPS

ONLINE SAFETY TIPS FOR TEEN
We all know that the Internet is a cool place to hang with friends and check out new things. But don't forget about the Internet's risks and dangers. If you're going to use the Web, do it safely! Here are some suggestions on what you should and shouldn't be doing online to help protect you against the bad stuff.


Be careful online.
Never reveal personally - identifiable information online.
A lot of creeps use the Internet to take advantage of other people, especially kids and teens. Never reveal any personally-identifiable information online, whether it's on your profile page or in a blog, chatroom, instant messenger chat or email.
  • Always use a screen name instead of your real name.
  • Never give out your address, telephone number, hangout spots or links to other websites or pages where this information is available.
  • Be careful about sending pictures to people you do not know very well.
  • Never tell people personal or private information about your friends or family.
  • Never assume you're completely anonymous online. Even if you don't put personal information online, there are different ways that people can still figure out who you are and where you live.

Never share your password with other people (except for your parents).

Your passwords to websites, email accounts and instant messenger services should not be shared with friends or strangers. Your friends may not be as safe as you are and may unknowingly subject you to danger. You should, however, share your passwords with your parents if they ask so they can make sure you're using the Internet safely.

Never arrange meetings with strangers.

Just because you've seen a person's picture and read his or her profile, does not mean you know them. Many people online lie about who they are and what their intentions are. Just because someone seems nice online, does not mean they really are. They could be trying to hurt you. Never arrange a meeting with a stranger you've met online. Even meeting a stranger in a crowded place could be dangerous as he could follow you home. If you wish to meet an online friend in person, talk to your parents and arrange a time and place where your friend can meet your parents first, just in case. If you are worried about your parents meeting one of your online friends, you probably shouldn't be friends with them in the first place.

Don't believe everything you read or see online.

Be wary of everything you see online unless it is from a trusted source. People lie about their age, who they are, what they look like, where they live, how they know you and what their interests are. Also, a lot of websites and emails contain information that is misleading or just plain untrue. If a person or deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Ask your parents to help you figure out what information is really true.

Don't download files or software without your parents' permission.

There are a lot of files on the Internet that are unsafe to download to a computer. Some files will bombard you with pop-up ads all day long. Some files will actually track everything you and your family does on your computer, including your logins, passwords and credit card information, which criminals then use to steal money from you and do other harm. There is no easy way to tell which files are bad and which are ok to download. That free desktop wallpaper you want to download might also steal your parents' credit card information. Ask your parents before you download any files or software from the Internet.

Don't respond to inappropriate messages or emails.

Some people send inappropriate messages just to see if you will respond. If you do, you are simply encouraging them to send more inappropriate material to you. Don't respond to inappropriate messages. Instead, talk to your parents about how to report them to the right place.

Don't post inappropriate content.

If you post information about tennis, you will attract people who are interested in tennis. If you post inappropriate content or pictures, you will attract people who have inappropriate interests. If you post jokes, photos or other content that contain sexual references you will probably attract people who are only interested in talking about sex. Be mindful of what you are communicating to the rest of the online world through the content you put onto the Internet.

Be leery of personal questions from strangers.

People you don't know who ask personal questions are often up to no good. Don't continue communicating with strangers who ask you personal questions. Talk to your parents about how to block them from communicating with you and report them to the right place.

Don't be bullied into fights.

People tend to say things online that they would never say in person. Some people even say rude and malicious things, sometimes just to see if you will respond. Don't respond to these people. Instead, talk to your parents about how to block them from communicating with you and report them to the right place.

Don't use adult sites.

There are some websites that kids just should not use. Don't use websites that contain adult content or that facilitate communication with older adults. No matter how much you think you know about the Internet, there are some people and places you just aren't ready to deal with. Enjoy websites that are designed for people your own age.

Understand what you put online will be there forever.

Assume that everything you put online--- every email you write, every picture you post, every blog or journal entry you post--- will be accessible on the Internet forever. Many search engines copy Internet pages and save them for viewing even after the pages are no longer online. Think about that before you post anything online. Do you really want pictures or blog entries to be seen 10 years from now?
Understand online risks.
Talk to your parents about what you do online.

Even though you may know more about computers and the Internet than your parents, they understand online risks better than you. Be open with your parents about how you use the Internet. Answer any questions they have honestly and completely. Talk with your parents about the websites you visit. Tell them about the people you meet online. Tell them what you know about online safety and how you make sure you stay safe while using the Internet. Listen to your parents' concerns. They're only trying to make sure you're safe.

Teach your parents about computers and the Internet.

It is natural to fear the unknown. You've grown up using computers and the Internet. Your parents probably didn't. You probably know a whole lot more about computers and the Internet than your parents. Teach your parents what you know. This is your chance to show them something for a change. If your parents understand how to use computers and the Internet better, they will probably feel more comfortable with you being online.

Follow the Internet use rules your parents and school have established.

If your parents or school establish rules on your Internet use--- the websites you can visit, where you can use the Internet, how long you can be online, etc.--- follow them. They understand online risks better than you and know what you are and aren't ready for online. Don't try to circumvent or disable the safety tools they may have implemented on your home or school computers. Don't try to get around their restrictions by using computers at other locations. If you don't think a particular policy is reasonable, talk to them and explain why. If your parents and/or school trusts that you are adhering to the rules they have implemented, they will probably feel more comfortable in relaxing them.

Visit online safety websites.

Take a look at what the many websites that offer good online safety tips for teens have to say.
Here is a list of some of the popular online safety websites:
Report inappropriate activity.

Don't be afraid to tell your parents and teachers--- their biggest concern is your safety. If they overreact, explain to them that you understand online safety is important and that is why you are telling them about your experience. Remember, a crime online is still a crime and law enforcement personnel have sophisticated tools used to investigate online crimes.

In addition to your parents, click here to find additional authorities and groups you should also consider contacting.


PARENT GUIDE TO ONLINE SAFETY

We all know that the Internet can be a fun place and a useful resource for teens. But it is also full of risks and dangers. No one person can ensure teen online safety. However, parents play the biggest role in keeping teens safe online. Parents must be willing to elicit the support and advice of other parents, educators, online safety specialists, and teens themselves to be successful. It takes a village to raise a child. It takes the concerted efforts of all of us, working together, to make sure teens are safe online.

Every parent should have an online safety plan for their teens. Below are some suggestions on how you should go about developing one for you and your teens.
Consider Your Teen's Maturity Level.
Is your teen ready?

Children mature at different rates and have different levels of responsibility. Parents know best whether their children are ready to use the Internet without parental guidance. Parents should consider whether their teen is mature enough to understand the various risks that exist online and whether they are responsible enough to follow the suggested guidelines for online teens. If not, parents must take every effort to make sure their children do not use the Internet without parental guidance.

Prevent access to inappropriate websites.

There are some websites that teens just should not use. Teens should not be allowed to use websites that contain mature content. Similarly, teens should not be allowed to use websites that facilitate communication with older adults. Parents should take efforts to prevent their children from accessing inappropriate websites by using the various parental tools that are available
Teach Your Teen To Be Safe Online.
Visit online safety websites.

Take a look at what the many websites that offer good online safety tips for teens have to say.
Here is a list of some of the popular online safety websites:
Communicate with your teen about online safety.

Online safety begins at home. Parents should teach and continually reinforce to their children the importance of being safe online. Parents should educate their children about the various risks that exist online and teach them how to be safe online.

Make the Internet a family affair.

Use the Internet with your children. Ask them to show you the websites they use. Have them login to their accounts at various websites and instant messenger services. Ask them to teach you about things you don't understand. Point out safety concerns as they arise. Explain to them that you are not trying to invade their privacy, you are just trying to make sure they are being safe online.

Ask your teens what they are doing online.

Many parents express concern because they don't know how their teens are using the Internet but haven't taken the first step in finding out: asking. Parents should ask their children what they are doing online, directly and routinely. Here are some suggested questions to ask to start the conversation:
What are you doing online?

printable version
  • Where do you access the Internet? At school? At home? At friends' homes? Elsewhere?
  • How do you access the Internet? Whose computers do you use? Do you use web-enabled mobile phones?
  • How much time do you spend online? How often do you use the Internet?
  • With whom do you use the Internet? By yourself? With teachers? Friends? Adults?
  • For what do you use the Internet? What websites do you visit regularly? What websites have you visited recently? What are your favorite websites?
  • Do you communicate with people online? Who? Have you met new people online? Who? Have you been contacted by adults online? Who?
  • Do you have personal web pages? Where?
  • At what websites do you have accounts? What usernames do you use?
  • What email addresses do you children use? Do you have any others?
  • What instant messenger services do you use? What are your screen names? Do you have any others?
  • Do you ever put personal information online? Pictures? Where? How do you protect this information?
  • Have you come across inappropriate content online? When? What did you see? Where did you see it? How did you come across it? What did you do when you saw it?
  • Has anyone communicated with you online in an inappropriate manner? When? What happened? Where did it happen? What did you do?
  • Do you know how to be safe online? What would you do if they were contacted by a stranger online?

Remember: these questions should only be used as a means to start an ongoing dialogue with your teen about online safety. The goal is to make sure you fully understand how your teen is using the Internet so you can take appropriate measures. No matter what your child says, try not to overreact. Take some time and consider what your children have told you before taking serious action.

Monitor your teen's internet use.

Watch your teens when they're using the Internet.
  • Put your home computer in an open space.
  • Check frequently to see what websites your teens are using. (Look at the browser's history and cache of websites if necessary.) If you see your teen close a window as you approach, ask why.
  • Review email messages your teen has sent and received.
  • Review active instant messenger conversations.
  • Look at photos and other files saved on your teen's computer.
  • Consider parental tools that will allow you to monitor your teen's Internet usage when you're not present.
Explore the websites your teens use. Your teen should not be using websites that allow communication between users that do not have the following minimum safeguards:
  • Control over who is admitted into your teen's network of friends.
  • The ability to block certain users from sending messages to your teen.
  • A means of reporting inappropriate content and users to a user safety department.
  • The ability to remove content previously posted by your teen.
  • The ability to completely delete your teen's account.
Keep your passwords secret.

As a parent, you should maintain secure administrator access to each computer in your home and with your Internet service provider. Also, remember that some of the websites you visit may not be appropriate for your children. Be sure to keep your login and passwords secret and change them frequently. This includes access to your email accounts.

Talk to the parents of your teen's friends about Internet use.

Your children may be using the Internet at their friends' homes. Talk with the parents of your teen's friends to understand how they approach online safety. Prohibit your teen from visiting any friend whose parents do not take appropriate measures.

Know school policies regarding Internet use.

Your teens are likely using the Internet at school. Talk openly with teachers and school administrators regarding how they handle online safety. Also, understand how your teen's Internet use at home may affect school policy. Many schools hold teens accountable for their actions online whether done at school or elsewhere.

Establish rules regarding Internet use.

Determine appropriate Internet use guidelines for your child. Communicate and enforce them. (Some parents find actual written Internet use agreements to be helpful.) Make sure the rules you establish are reasonable based on your teen's age and maturity. Assess your teen's compliance with your rules on a regular basis.

Get tech-savvy.

Your teen may know more about computers and the Internet than you do. Don't be intimidated. Read up on the latest technology developments, especially those that teens have embraced. Talk with other parents to learn what they know about the Internet. Ask your kids to teach you what they know about computers and the Internet. Do not underestimate your teen's knowledge of computers.

Know and use available tools.

There is a wide variety of software and tools available to help you keep your teens safe online. Generally, these tools fall under three main categories: (1) tools that block and/or filter inappropriate websites and content; (2) tools that monitor your teen's online activity; and (3) tools that block your teen from posting personal information online.
Check with your Internet service provider (ISP) to determine what Internet safety features it offers. Many ISPs also offer software and tools for parents seeking additional protection for their children.

Click here for a list of popular software and tools for parents seeking to protect their teens online.

Report inappropriate activity.

If you believe your teen has experienced criminal action, do not hesitate to contact your local authorities. A crime online is still a crime and law enforcement personnel have sophisticated tools used to investigate online crimes.

Click here to find additional authorities and groups you should also consider contacting.

SOURCE: TAGGED.COM


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