Internet Safety and Cyberbullying

 

The Internet is used by students for many different reasons. They may go online to do research, to instant message or e-mail friends, to meet others on social networking sites, or to discuss different topics in a chat room or on a blog. While a wonderful resource, students do need to make sure they are safe. The following are some tips to review with children so they know how to safely surf the web:

Top Ten Tips To Teach To Keep Students Safe

 

1.  Everyone on the Internet is a stranger – no matter how many times you “talk” to them - unless you met them somewhere else.

 

2.  Don’t accept or respond to messages or open e-mails from someone you do not know.

 

3.  Choose your user name wisely.  Don’t give away your real name, age, gender or where you live.  Keep your password secret!

 

4.  Do not meet anyone from the Internet without asking for your parent’s permission.  If your parents do give you permission, meet the stranger in a public place and ask your parents to go with you.

 

5.  Be careful about the information you give out during a chat or in a blog.  This information can give clues to who you are or where you live.

 

6.  Be critical of the websites you visit.  Who sponsors them?  When were they last updated?  Are they applicable?

 

7.  Assume that nothing on the Internet ever goes away!  Don’t post something that could come back to haunt you.

 

8.  If you are threatened or bullied, print copies of the messages but do not reply to them.

 

9.  If you feel threatened, you can change your e-mail address, user profile and screen name.

 

10.  Immediately report any threats, problems or inappropriate messages to your parents and/or teachers. They may choose to report these threats to the police or your service provider.

To read more about this subject go to:

i-Safe.org

NetSmartz.org

Stop Bullying Now

Parry's Guide to Cyberbullying