Part I: Making Good Online Choices The Internet is Forever Part I: Making Good Online Choices Learn How to Keep Yourself Safe and Keep your Private Information, Private. Suggested Discussion Topics at the start of the lesson: How many of you visit websites for fun on the internet? Of those you go online, what types of sites and activities do you enjoy best? Have any students ever been asked to submit information to a website?

The Internet is a Useful Tool What kinds of information and websites can be found on the internet? Research information which can be used for things like school projects. Games, which can be fun. Social Media Websites (these are websites like Facebook where you can interact with other people). Shopping online (with your parent’s help and permission of course). Numerous other pieces of information and resources.

Accuracy of Information Is all the information you find online accurate? No. Some information may be false, purposefully misleading or incorrect by mistake. How do you know if the information is accurate? You have to find out if the information is from a trusted source. Trusted sources can be government entities (whose websites usually end in .gov), special interest groups, research institutes, specialists, accredited news sources and others. Ask yourself if you would trust the information given by the people posting or writing the information.

Internet Interactions There are numerous ways to interact with other people on the internet. What are some of the ways you interact with people the most? Social Media. Email. Games. Others?

Strangers on the internet How might you come across people you don’t know when on the internet? What is a “Stranger” on the internet? People you don’t know that you come across when online can be dangerous. Why?

What if I do communicate with someone I don’t know on the internet? Do not give out personal information. What are some examples of personal information? Why shouldn’t you share personal information with people online? These same guidelines apply to groups, companies, or other unknown entities.

Online Communication: Screen Names and Gamer Tags Each group should come up with 3-4 screen names or gamer tags that the group thinks is appropriate with reasons why. Write down your choices. Each group needs to choose 1 name or tag to share with the class. As a class, discuss the positive and negative points about each name. Refer to Lesson plan for more detailed instructions.

What makes a good screen name or gamer tag? It does not include any personal information, such as your name. It is general in nature, but easy for you to remember.

Protect your Information: Passwords Passwords should be hard to guess, but easy to remember. It is best not to use the same password for multiple accounts. Otherwise, someone that guesses your password for one account would have access to all of the accounts. It is a bad idea to share passwords with anyone – even your best friend. Remember, passwords aren’t just for accounts, you can have a password on your cell phone and computer too. See handout: Tips to Create and Manage Strong Passwords Consider discussion of CNN article re: what happens when people find your cell phone.

Avoid Giving People Too Much Information Online Websites sometimes try to trick you into giving them information. It is possible for someone to create a website that looks like one you know, when it really is a different website looking for your information. Once they have your information, they might pretend to be you, or share that information with others. Some websites even sell your information to others. Always be careful and be aware of what website or organization wants information from you.

Be careful what you click on!

Pop-up Advertisements and your Information Have you ever gotten a pop-up asking you to register for a contest? Maybe it asked you to fill out forms in exchange for a prize or a game? This is another way that websites try to trick you into giving out your personal information. Do not give out your personal information to participate in a game or enter a contest. Discussion Topics Regarding Pop-Ups: - Have any students ever been asked to submit information to a website? Why did you have to submit it? What information was requested? Did you mind submitting your information? Why? Why not? What made you feel concerned (or comfortable) with sharing your information? What do you consider your personal information? Why is it important to keep personal information private? What are some scams that you may have come across online? Have you ever clicked on pop-ups? Do you think that they will give you what they promised? Did you receive what was promised? Activities: Optional E-book Activity: E-book “Delivery for Webster,” with discussion questions. Optional Privacy Policy Activity for more advanced students.

Identity Theft Criminals can use your personal information to steal your identity. While pretending to be you, the criminals might empty your bank accounts, buy items on your credit card accounts, or even open new accounts in your name to use. Identity thieves might live and work under your name. Occasionally identity thieves commit serious crimes. It becomes your responsibility to prove that it wasn’t you. Remember to protect others’ information as well. Someone might steal the identities of your friends and family if you share their information.

Consequences: You place yourself, your family, and your friends in danger when you share your address or other personal information online. Coaches, high schools, colleges, and employers can look at the information you post and decide that you should not be on the team, or that you should not receive a scholarship or job. Remember- the internet is forever! Hacking: Your accounts can be hacked if you do not have secure usernames and passwords. Celebrities accounts have been hacked due to bad passwords Identity Theft: You could lose your savings. It can take years and thousands of dollars to clear your good name. In the meantime, your credit history can be destroyed; you could be denied for student loans, car loans, insurance, and even jobs. Remember that there are consequences when you share (or use) information about others as well. If you steal someone else’s identity, you will face criminal charges and fines. You will need to satisfy the debt and pay for the cost of clearing your victim’s credit. Even after paying these costs, you can still face jail time for the crime. Keep everyone safe and secure by keeping information private.