Internet Safety
WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL ABOUT INTERNET SAFETY?
It effects people everyday It effects people everywhere It can effect everyone
Even with small amounts of information, people can find out who you are, where you live and where you go to school! Use your best judgment and err on the side of safety when you are online. The internet and places like MySpace, Friendster and others are the new hunting grounds for criminals who want to steal your identity, wreck your computer, or kidnap you or worse. That new "friend" you met online who is "Cindy, 14, 5'3" - into snowboarding, cheerleading and sleepovers" may actually be Marvin, 43 year old male, who wants to have a real good time with you.
Just watch "To Catch a Predator" one night to see who is out there on the net, watching and waiting for someone like you.
BE SAFE ONLINE:
Never use your real nameNever give out any personal information, including the name of your school, sports teams or city you live in
Never give your password out
Never meet people in real life whom you meet on the Internet
Never open e-mail with an attachment from an address that you don't know
Don't believe everything that you read, hear, or see online
Making Threats and Breaking the Law - New Trends in Internet usage
Teens and pre-teens aren't just potential victims, sometimes they are the people doing the crimes. This can range from being rude, disrepectful or mean to committing crimes online.
Several cases each year involve students getting into trouble for posting threatening or harassing material on Web pages, in chat rooms and in newsgroups. You should remember that anything you say about anyone can be viewed by people all over the world and can have a damaging effect on the person being talked about.
You should never post anything about another person that could in any way harm that person. Including:
Publishing names, addresses, or phone numbers of anyone you know
Using the name of the school people attend
Posting pictures of someone else
Even what you mean to be a "positive" comment about someone's appearance, characteristics
or abilities can have a negative affect on or embarass that person
It is illegal to threaten, intimidate, or harass other people regardless of whether those threats are delivered in person, on the phone, via the mail, or over the Internet. You can be charged by law enforcement if you commit these acts. You could also be disciplined by your school or at home.
Threatening other people is not only wrong but can get the student into trouble at home, at school, or with the law.
If you ever receive serious and frightening threats online, contact Student Crime Stoppers (444-STOP) or local law enforcement immediately.
The Internet can be a great place to learn, play, connect with friends and have a good time.
Just be aware of what you are doing when you get there.
Here are some great web links to get you started:
Elementary and Middle School
High School
Safe Surfing Areas
Family Contract for Safe Internet Use
