Keeping Safe in the Virtual Space of the WORLD WIDE WEB (a.k.a. the Internet)

1) Stay clear of "adult only" sites. Most content is inapporiate for students and sometimes even for adults.

2) Shopping on the Internet- ask family's permission. Be aware of the sites' return & refunds policies.

3) NEVER give out personal information unless you can trust the site and it is secure. Facebook & Myspace are not secure unless you lock everyone but invited friends from viewing your site.

4) Avoid clicking electronic pop-up ads.

5) When creating passwords, be creative! Use a combnation of numbers and letters. Think of something you will remember but no one else would be able to guess (avoid using your dog's name, your athlectic number, etc).

6) Do not open attachments unless you know where it is coming from and what it is. Viruses and other damaging files are usually located in attachments and can do a lot of damage to your computer.

7) Only e-mail/post pictures of yourself and family to or for family and friends. (You are traceable by clothing you may be wearing (Cameron Sweatshirt) or recognizable on the street by people you do not know.)

8) Be as smart, skeptical, and cautious on the web as you would be in a big city. Remember anyone and everyone is on the internet and not everyone is completely honest.

 

Netiquette:

Word to the Wise:
"Treat someone you are communicating with online as if you were meeting face to face."

In other words, show the same respect and courtesy as if the person was right next to you.

 

For E-mails, IMs, and other Online Communication Etiquette

1) Check the e-mail addess(es) you are sending the message to; sometime, it is easy to inadvertently send it to more than the person it was intended for.

2) Avoid capital letters; this usually implies shouting. "SO DO NOT DO IT!"

3) Never send hateful or threatening message through the internet. This could cause trouble for you, possibly legal issues. Do not send messages in anger, cool off before responding.

4) If you ever receive a threatening message, tell someone as soon as possible. Do not respond.

5) Be ethical. Do not share files or claim credit for something you did not create.

Who's online?

Sometimes we are anonymous online or pretend to be someone or something different. Remember that other people may be doing this also. There are individuals out there that lure young teens and adults. Abductions and harassments are continually in the news.

Do not chat with people you do not know and never agree to meet with someone you do not know. If you do schedule a meeting, always take someone with you and inform a family member of the person's name and where you are meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

Links to More Information

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