Internet Safety Rules
Safe Surfing Information Link From The Federal Trade Commission
The Internet is a great place but it can also be like the real world - with safe and unsafe places.
If you follow these rules of the "road" you will have a better time in cyberspace, stay safe, and keep those who care about you worrying less.
| 1. | I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, or the name and location of my work, school, etc... |
| 2. | I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online alone. |
| 3. | I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do, I will contact the service provider. |
| 4. | I will remember that just because someone describes themselves in a certain way (ie: tall, dark, handsome, male, who is 21 years old) they may actually be quite different in reality (ie: an 84yr old woman in prison). |
| 5. | I will discontinue contact with anyone with whom I feel uncomfortable with. |
Although there have been some highly publicized cases of abuse involving the Internet and online services, reported cases are relatively infrequent. Of course, like most crimes, many cases go unreported, especially if the person is engaged in an activity that he or she does not want to discuss.
The fact that crimes are being committed online, however, is not a reason to avoid using these services. To tell people to stop using these services would be like telling them to forgo attending school because students are sometimes victimized there.
A better strategy would be to be aware of both the benefits and dangers of cyberspace and to learn how to be "street smart" in order to better safeguard yourselves in any potentially dangerous situation.
What Are the Risks For Kids?
There are a few risks for children who use the Internet or online services. Teenagers are particularly at risk because they often use the computer unsupervised and because they are more likely than younger children to participate in online discussions regarding companionship, relationships, or sexual activity. If you have a teen in your family or you are a teenager, check out Teen Safety on the Information Highway at www.missingkids.com or order a free copy by calling 1-800-843-5678.