Basic Rules for Online Safety

1. The Internet is an international network of networks-by its very nature, it is public. The most important thing to remember is that when you’re online in any kind of a public forum, you’re out in public and anyone can read whatever you post. You should never post anything on the Internet that you wouldn’t want known to the public at large.
   
   
2. Things and people aren’t always what they seem. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true. You should also remember that people you meet in cyberspace might not be who they seem to be.
   
   
3. Don’t provide personal information in a public forum. If you’re in any type of public forum, avoid giving out your full name, your mailing address, your telephone number, the name of your school, or any other information that could help someone determine your actual identity. The same applies to your family and friends. Never reveal anything about other people that could possibly get them into trouble.
   
   
4. Don’t agree to meet face-to-face with someone you meet online without informing your parents or another responsible adult. The biggest danger to your safety is if you get together with someone you “meet” online. Remember, you never know for certain if people you meet online are who they say they are. If you do feel it’s appropriate to meet with someone, discuss it with your parents and never go to the meeting by yourself. Arrange to meet in a public place, like a coffee shop or mall that you (not just the other person) are familiar and comfortable with, and never go lone. The safest procedure is to have your parents talk with the parents of the other person and for both of you to bring your parents along on the first meeting.
   
   
5. Never respond to email, chat comments, newsgroup posting, text messages or other digital correspondence that are hostile, belligerent, inappropriate, or in any way make you feel uncomfortable. It isn’t your fault if you get a message that is mean or in any way makes you feel uncomfortable. If you get such a message, don’t respond. Instead, show it to your parents or a trusted adult to see if there is anything you can do to make it stop. Sending a response just encourages the person.
   
   
6. Talk with your parents about their expectations and ground rules for going online. It’s important that you and your parents are on the same channel when it comes to your online activities. This includes when you can go online, how long you can stay online, and what activities you can do online. Communicating with your parents doesn’t mean that you have to give up your privacy. It just means that you come to an agreement based on mutual trust and understanding. While you’re at it, perhaps you can help your parents better understand the Internet, what it can be used for, and how it is helpful for teens.