Surfing the 'Net | Using Email | Instant Messaging | More Information
Surfing the Internet
Why it’s Useful
The Internet gives us access to a vast amount of information. Whether it’s to do research for homework, play games, watch videos or communicate with friends, almost anything can be found on the Web.
Beware
There is also false, illegal, racist, sexist, hateful and demeaning content in cyberspace. Just because information is on the Internet, doesn’t mean it is true, accurate or legal.
What to Do
- If you see content that makes you feel uncomfortable, hurt, confused or scared, tell your parents or a trusted adult. Avoid such sites in the future.
- Have your parents or a teacher show you how to use search engines like Google or Windows Live effectively to find the information you want.
Using Email
Why it’s Useful
Attachments to emails may contain viruses. Don't open email attachments you did not ask for or that are from someone you don’t know or trust.
Email allows you to communicate with anyone from around the world in a matter of minutes. You can attach documents, pictures or videos to your messages.
Beware
Anyone who uses email will likely get unwanted email, or spam. Spam usually directs you to a certain website and, most often, wants you to buy something. Spam senders often pretend to be someone you trust, like a friend, your bank or a government agency.
Attachments to emails may contain viruses. Once you open the attachment, the virus infects your computer and may alter the way your computer works.
What to Do
Keep
your password private.- Don’t share your email address with anyone you don’t know.
- Don’t share others’ email addresses without their permission.
- Don’t respond to spam. If you do, spammers know you are a target.
- Make sure your email filter settings are set high enough to deal with spam.
- If you receive any emails that include sexual language or images, have your parents contact local law enforcement, or call the CyberTipline at 1-800-843-5678.
- Do not open email attachments you did not ask for or that are from someone you don’t know or trust.
Instant Messaging
Why it’s Useful
IM’ing is even faster than email. It lets you chat with others online in real time. Different chat rooms are available to talk about different topics. With instant messaging or email, you mostly use words or IM lingo to communicate. You can add emoticons to describe your feelings.
Beware
Without seeing and hearing you speak the words, the person reading your message may misinterpret what you say. A teasing remark may be interpreted as mean and hurtful.
In reality, people are sometimes not who they pretend to be on the Internet. They may lie about their age, gender and interests to gain your trust.
What to Do
Don't say anything to people online that you wouldn’t say to their face.
- Don’t say anything to people online that you wouldn’t say to their face.
- Don’t be a cyberbully.
- Ask yourself, “Are the people I am chatting with really who they say they are?” How do you know?
- Limit the lists of members/friends/contacts on these sites to people you really know in person.
- If you receive a rude or mean message, ignore it. If you continue to receive these kind of messages, ask for help.
- If you receive any messages that include sexual language or images, have your parents or a trusted adult contact local law enforcement or call the CyberTipline at 1-800-843-5678.
More Information
If you want to learn more about Internet safety, check out the following websites.
- Childnet International: Chatdanger.com
- Microsoft: staysafe.org
- Nemours Foundation: TeensHealth Internet Safety
- UNESCO: WiredTeens.org