Six Things to Remember for Web

Safety

Remember:

1. Some people lie.2. Grandma might see your posting.3. Strangers can find you using the

information you share.4. It’s not your fault if you receive

inappropriate material.5. Rules from “real life” apply. 6. Your parents care and want you

safe.

(1)Some people lie.

Think you know that cute boyyou’ve been instant messaging for hours?

He may be lying about who he is.

Meet James David Carol, age 51.

Convicted in California after attempting to meet a 14-year-old for

sex.

Never agree to meet an online friend without your parents’ knowledge.

The biggest danger to your safety is getting together with someone you “met” online.

You can never be positive that people you meet online are who they say they are.

Discuss all your meeting plans with your parents.

(2) Your grandma might see the photos you

post.

Really embarrassing.

Never post anything on the Webthat you wouldn’t want the whole world to see or know.

Anyone Can See and Read What You Post:• Friends

• Teachers• Your mom and dad• Coaches• Your future boss• Scholarship

Committees• Your chosen college• Neighbors• People from church

Think before you upload.

Any information posted on the Web can last FOREVER.

This includes photos, videos, blogs, etc.

(3) Strangers can find you

based on what you share online.

Never Share Personal Information Online:

• Photos• Name• Address• Schools you attend• Names of your school teams• Cell and home phone numbers• Names of malls near your home• Where you work• Any very private information (e.g. discussion

of sex)

Keep your private information private.

Keep their information private, too.

Protect your friends and family.

Never open e-mail from strangers or click on any attachments.

Don’t reply to unknown screen names on Instant Messenger.

Don’t use your Web camera with strangers.

(4) It isn’t your fault

if you get a message that makes you feel uncomfortable.

If you get a message that is hostile or inappropriate, don’t respond.

Instead, show the message to your parents or trusted adult to see if there is anything that can be done to put a stop to it.

(5) Your parents want you to be safe. Communicating with your parents doesn’t mean you have to give up

your privacy.

Reasonable limits can help keep you safe.

Talk with Your Parents AboutGround Rules for Going Online

This includes:

• when you can go online• how long you can stay online• what you can do online.

(6)Rules from “real life” apply.

Rules from “real life” apply:

• Courtesy• Kindness• Modesty• Dignity• Respect for the law• Respect for others

Find the “good” online

• Good friends• Good Web sites• Good games

---- and enjoy!

For more info on Web Safety, go towww.NetSafeKids.org

Acknowledgements:

Office of the Minnesota Attorney Generalwww.ag.state.mn.us