Safety Online

The internet is a fascinating world with all sorts of sites to visit but just like the “real world” there are nasty people online who you don’t want to meet. The problem is that people on line are not always who they say they are.

Stay safe by following these tips –

Do not give out or send your picture or personal information such as your address, your phone number, where you go to school or photographs to someone that you only know through the Internet unless you have your parent’s permission.

Never agree to meet with someone you chat to online without first checking with your parents. If your parents agree to the meeting, then be sure that it is in a public place and take your mother or father along.

Don’t forget that people may not be who they say they are on the Internet. An adult could pretend to be your age just to get to know you. Sometimes they can do this over a long period of time to develop your trust.  If someone is pestering you to meet up or hassling you it may be that they aren't the nice person they say they are and may be lying about their age, interests, and even their sex.

Do not respond to any messages that ask for personal information, messages that are mean or messages that make you feel uncomfortable. You do not have to continue - just sign off.

When entering a Chat room you are often asked to give out your AGE, SEX, & LOCATION (ASL). Only use your nickname and don't be too specific about your location.

Be very careful not to open attachments from senders you don't know and make sure you have up to date anti-virus software on your computer. This is not only to protect you from receiving viruses but also to stop your machine from passing viruses onto others by mistake

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