Do you know how to keep yourself safe? Internet Safety Do you know how to keep yourself safe?

In any society, there are individuals who steal, deface, or disrupt other people. The same is true for the digital community. It is not enough to trust other members in the community for our own safety. In our own homes, we put locks on our doors and fire alarms in our houses to provide some level of protection. The same must be true for the digital security. We need to have virus protection, backups of data, and surge control of our equipment. As responsible citizens, we must protect our information from outside forces that might cause disruption or harm. C. 2007-2010 Mike Ribble. www.digitalcitezenship.net

Click to see what happened to Becky Becky’s Story Click to see what happened to Becky

So, what’s the point? Take a few minutes to talk to the person beside you about what happened to Becky. What did she learn? What was the point of showing the extra locks on the front door of the house? Why did they show her putting that big poster on her front lawn?

Take a moment to discuss possible situations involving these points What are the risks? Some risks are: Exposure to Inappropriate Material Physical Molestation Harassment and Bullying Viruses and Hackers Legal and Financial Take a moment to discuss possible situations involving these points

Should you give your information to just anyone? 1.   I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents’ work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parents’ permission. Why? When would it be ok to give out this information? Should you “friend” someone you don’t know? What if they’re on a friend’s friend list? Safety rules from: http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/

Tell Someone 2.   I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable What if you don’t feel comfortable telling your parents? Safety rules from: http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/

You don’t know this person! 3.   I will never agree to get together with someone I “meet” online without first checking with my parents. What do you think your parents will say if you ask to meet up with someone you met online? Safety rules from: http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/

Would you put up a poster of yourself? 4.   I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents. How did “Simon” know where Becky went to school? (he used her pictures to piece together the information)

What if someone said it to your face? 5.   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 tell my parents or a teacher right away. You must also be careful not to put anything online that you wouldn’t say out loud. Once it’s out there, you can never get it back.  

Open communication at home 6.   I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online and using a mobile phone. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission. Why is this a good idea? Is it realistic? Safety rules from: http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/

It’s private! 7.   I will not give out my passwords to anyone (even my best friends) other than my parents Don’t just use one password. Create passwords that are easy to remember but hard for others to guess. When possible, use a phrase such as “I started 7th grade at Lincoln Middle School in 2004” and use the initial of each word like this: “Is7gaLMSi2004.” Make the password at least 8 characters long, and include numbers, capital letters and Don't use dictionary words or names Don't post it in plain site Consider a “password” for your phone too Safety rules from: http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/

What’s “bugging” you? 8.   I will check with my parents before downloading or installing software or doing anything that could possibly hurt our computer or mobile device or jeopardize my family’s privacy Why? Viruses, possibly inappropriate content, sites often ask for your information, sometimes sites look real and trick you into giving them your personal information, this is called “phishing” If an offer online seems “too good to be true”, it probably is! Safety rules from: http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/

The Grandma Rule 9.   I will be a good online citizen and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law How do you act when your grandma is watching you? Safety rules from: http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/

Old people need help 10. I will help my parents understand how to have fun and learn things online and teach them things about the Internet, computers and other technology If they don’t ask you to teach them stuff, invite them to learn! Ask them if you can show them a few things, they’ll be impressed that you’re taking the initiative! Safety rules from: http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/