Online Safety Objective8: Practice safe uses of social networking and electronic communication such as recognizing dangers of online predators and protecting personal information.

Online Safety Why should we worry about online safety? What can people really get from my personal information? What is cyber bullying? Are there really dangers of online predators or is that just something that happens on T.V.?

Online Safety While social networking sites can increase your circle of friends, they also can increase your exposure to people with less-than-friendly intentions. Things like harassment, cyber bullying, and identity theft are real and can happen. Basically, don’t post personal information about yourself online that you don’t want the entire world to know!

Quick Online Safety Tips Think about how different sites work before deciding to join a site. Keep some control over the information you post by restricting access to your page. (Privacy Settings) Keep your full name, Social Security number, address, phone number, and bank or credit card account numbers to yourself (Identify Theft) Make sure your screen name doesn't say too much about you. Even if you think it makes you anonymous, it doesn't take a genius to combine clues to figure out who you are and where you can be found.

Online Safety Tips Post only information that you are comfortable with others seeing and knowing. Flirting with strangers online could have serious consequences. Some people lie about who they really are! Be wary if a new friend wants to meet you in person. If you decide to meet them, meet in a public place, during the day, with friends you trust. And tell a responsible adult where you're going Trust your gut if you have suspicions. If you feel threatened by someone or uncomfortable because of something online, tell an adult you trust, and then report it to the police.

Cyber Bullying "Cyber bullying" is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones Cyber Bullying Video

What do you think? How private do you think information is that you post on the internet? Would you ever put information on a web site that you intend only you and your friends to see? Why or why not? What do you do to respect other people's rights while online? We just watched a video clip about some boys who rated the girls from their school and put it online. What do you think happened to the girls after this information was posted online? What guidelines do you follow to help you decide what information you should or should not post on the Internet?

What Identity Theft Means to You If you identity gets stolen, you may not be able to: –Get a drivers license –Get financial aid for college –Open a bank account –Open a credit card account –Take out a loan for a car

Identity Theft Identity theft happens when someone steals your full name, address, and even social security number for financial gain. Only a little personal information is required for identity theft to take place. (Thieves can get personal information from your cell phone!)

Personal Information Watch Teresa’s Story On your paper, write down the personal information you learn about Teresa while you are watching this video.

Online Predators On online predator is someone who exploits users' vulnerability Online predators meet people online and try to get as much personal information from you as possible. Be safe and do not meet people you have met only online. They may not be who you think they are! View Amy’s StoryView Amy’s Story

What do you think? At what point do you think Amy realized she was in danger? When should Amy have told her parents or another trusted adult what was going on? What were the consequences of Amy’s choice? If you have a friend that is thinking of meeting someone in person they have met online, what advice would you give to them?

Online Predators View Predator Characteristics Predator Tricks Remember to think before you act!

References les_for_Teens.htmhttp:// les_for_Teens.htm tips-tweens-teens.aspxhttp:// tips-tweens-teens.aspx ft/index.htmlhttp:// ft/index.html theft/teens-and-identity-thefthttp:// theft/teens-and-identity-theft #realamyhttp:// #realamy