Internet Safety for Teens and Children
- Don't lie about your age. MySpace has special protective measures in place for younger users. Your account may be vulnerable if you lie about your age.
- Don't post anything that might embarrass you later. Remember that photos and blog entries can be downloaded and saved very easily.
- Don't give out personal information like your address or ssn via the internet, even to friends.
- Don't post too many details about yourself. Even if you don't post your address or phone number, it's easy enough to find out where you live if you post your school, work and favorite hang outs.
- Use common sense. If you wouldn't say or do it in a crowded room, don't say or do it online.
- Nothing is ever completely deleted from the internet. Anything you post may come back to haunt you later.
- You do not have to accept being bullied online.
- Report bullies or malicious behavior to site administrators.
- If someone creates a false page about you or with your information, report it immediately and tell your parents.
- Social networking sites like MySpace should remove it.
- Use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.
- Using more letters and numbers is more secure. 7 - 9 characters is relatively secure.
- Change your password regularly or if you think someone has figured it out.
- Don't use information that is easy to guess like your birthdate or pets name.
- Don't use short or simple words or number combinations. (Ex: 1234)
Meeting Friends online:
- People are not always who they say they are. Be careful about who you accept as a friend on MySpace.
- Never agree to meet someone alone. Always take a friend or parent.
- Never agree to meet someone in an unfamiliar place. Always meet in familiar public spaces.
- Never agree to travel with a stranger or to meet a stranger in a different city. That would be stupid.
Always remember that over 1 billion people have access to the internet worldwide. Most likely, that includes your neighbors, friends, teachers, family and classmates. What you say and do online can and will impact your real life.