 Internet Safety
Who is your child meeting online?
-- 73% of teens aged 12 to 17 use the Internet. -- 60% of online teens have received an instant message or email from a stranger. -- 50% have emailed or instant messaged with someone they do not know. -- 20% have arranged to meet an online friend in person. -- 64% of online teens say they think use of the Internet takes away from the time young people spend with their families.
You may not know what MySpace and Xanga are, but chances are your children do. In many cases, children reveal very personal information about themselves and your family to potentially millions of online strangers in these social networking communities. For many students at the middle school level, these online communities become more important than their own families and friends.
How can I keep myself safe?
1) Never reveal personal information. Predators can use personal information to steal your identity or locate you. Photographs posted online can be manipulated or used against you.
2) Never meet with an online friend in person. If you are tempted to meet with an online friend, discuss it with your parent/guardian or a trusted adult.
3) Talk to your parents/guardians about the Internet. Talk to your parents/guardians or a trusted adult about what you should be doing online. Show them the sites you like to go to and discuss what is appropriate. Decide on whether you are allowed to use email or Instant Message programs.
4) Tell when anyone has made you feel uncomfortable. If anything makes you scared, uncomfortable or confused, tell your parent/guardian or trusted adult. If the behavior is an attempt to exploit or use a child, report it to the Cyber TipLine or the FBI.
5) Respect other people's rights online. Treat others the way you want to be treated. When researching online, give proper credit to the source you used.
Where can I go for more information? Click on the icons below for more information.
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