Rules To Help You Navigate the Internet Safely Internet Safety Rules To Help You Navigate the Internet Safely

The Truth We all need internet safety education. The internet may be fun, but it can also be dangerous! With the possibility of identity theft, computer viruses and predators in chat rooms, we all need to learn how to be safe as we use the internet.

Teens use the internet for … Research Business Social interaction

Social Interaction Teens Use Technology to Meet People and Chat. Unfortunately, this can open a door to viruses, hackers, spyware, phishing, and predators

You may not be aware of it but…. Predators lurk in public chat rooms They may invite you to a private chat via an instant message service Followed by e-mail Then phone conversations

Finally, a face-to-face meeting Anyone can pretend to be your friend on the internet!

Be Safe and Remember to…. Keep S.M.A.R.T. on the internet

S - Secret Memorize your password and keep it secret! Keep your name, address, phone numbers and passwords private Don’t share pictures with persons you only know from the internet. Don’t send sexually provocative photos to anyone. Under the law, you may be charged as a predator yourself.

M - Meeting Meeting internet “buddies” can be very dangerous! An online buddy can turn out to be a predator or worse! Be smart – Don’t meet face to face with persons you only know on the internet. If you do bring a parent with you.

A - Accepting Accepting and opening unknown files may contain computer viruses or unwanted and inappropriate messages.

R - Remember Online persons may not be truthful. Public areas are safer; but if you feel uncomfortable, get out.

T – Tell Someone Tell an adult if you feel uncomfortable with internet sites or messages! Report obscene, harassing or belligerant e-mails or text messages. Do not respond to them.

School Rules You do not have a right to privacy on the internet at school. Never assume that someone isn’t watching the sites you visit. Our internet filter has its limitations. If inappropriate sites come up report it to a teacher. By-passing the internet filter at school is not allowed. Internet bullying of others is not allowed at school or at home.

School Rules Students should not be downloading music and videos at school. This uses up a great deal of bandwidth and may prevent other students from being able to use the internet for legitimate educational purposes.

For More Information For additional information go to http://www.sbac.edu/~media/internet_safety_information.htm