Internet Guidelines

Cyberspace Cyberspace is like a big city.

• libraries, • universities, • museums, • places to have fun, • Places to meet people.

But, like any community, there are also some people and areas that you need to avoid and others that you should approach with caution.

If you know the dangers you can take advantage of all the positive aspects of the Internet while avoiding most of its pitfalls. (www.sdcybersafe.com)

Personal information Do not give out personal

information for predators or identity thieves to access.

• Address• Phone number• School name or location• Credit card number• Pictures• passwords

passwords Do not give out your passwords or

use someone else’s password.

• If someone has forgotten to log off, please log them off and don’t go into any of their files.

Meeting strangers Do not get together with someone you

meet online.

Chat room and game players acquaintances are not friends. You don’t know for certain who they are.

downloading Do not download or install from Internet

or open e-mail attachments or links.• Don’t open e-mail if you don’t know who sent it

to you, you could spread a virus. It would be best to delete the message.

• It is possible to get a virus from someone you know. It is best to purchase a virus scanning software program and update often.

• Avoid pop-up advertisements. • Copyright issues

Phishing

•phishing is an e-mail (or phone call) claiming to be an organization, but it is phony. They are looking to get your personal information. Things like account numbers, social security number, passwords, etc.

cyberbulling

Do not send or display offensive or inappropriate messages or pictures.

Cyber bullying is using e-mail, instant messaging, chat rooms, cell phones, or other technology to harass, threaten, torment, or intimidate someone.

• Harassment is illegal.• Respect others.

Social networking sites Keep settings on private. Add only people you know in real life to your friend’s list.

Keep in mind—nothing on the internet is private

Computer systems Do not damage computers,

computer systems, or computer networks.

• Hacking is illegal. Do not use proxy servers to get around blocked web sites.

Reporting Internet Crime Call your Internet provider. Call local law enforcement. Go to www.cybertipline.com Call 1-800-843-5678

Quiz www.cyberspacers.com/quiz/

(handout) Read each question and write your

answer using paragraph form. Use complete sentences.

Read the additional information for each question.

Poster Design a poster to display good

Internet ethics. Example:

Don’t give out personal information; they’ll track down your location.

Don’t be a computer hacker, be a virus cracker.

Be creative.