Student Resources

The internet is an amazing community that brings the world to your fingertips.  You can find information about anything you are curious about.  You can perform research, get homework help, communicate with your friends, download music, watch movies, the possibilities are virtually limitless.  As with any powerful tool, there comes a certain amount of responsibility.  There are dangers online that you need to watch out for.  As long as you use smart cyber-strategies, you will have a safe internet experience.

Here are some cyber-strategies to use while you are online:

Email:

Don’t open email attachments from people you don’t know.  These attachments could contain malicious software such as computer viruses or worms that could infect your computer.

If you receive an attachment from someone you do know, scan it with some antivirus software to make sure it is clean.  Make sure your antivirus software is up to date. 

Do not ever give any personal information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or bank account information in response to an email.  If you are not sure if the email is legitimate, play it safe by talking to your parents and calling the financial institution by phone. 

Social Networking Sites and Instant Messaging:

Don’t post personal, identifying information about yourself online.  Keep your cell phone number, address, location, school name, where you hang out and other revealing information about yourself or your friends private.  Online predators can use the smallest bits of information to locate you.

Keep your profile private.  Check the settings on the site you use and make sure that only the people you know can access your page.  Learn how to block others from seeing your information.

Keep a safe screenname.  Don’t use a sexually expressive screenname or include any personal identifying information such as your last name, gender, age or location.

Do not put yourself in unsafe situations.  Be honest about your age. Don’t involve yourself in sexually explicit or inappropriate conversations with others online.  If someone approaches you online and makes you feel uncomfortable, let you parent or guardian know about it.

Remember, you never know who is on the other side of that computer screen.  That person you have been chatting with could be lying about their name, age, gender and where they live.  They could have harmful intentions.

Never meet an online friend in person without a parent or guardian present.  You could put yourself in serious danger meeting someone you do not know by yourself or even with another friend.

Share your buddy lists with your parents.  Let them get to know your online friends just like you would let them get to know your offline friends.

Be responsible.  Do not send or post inappropriate material or messages to others online.  This could be harmful to others and get you into trouble.

Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats:

If someone sends you harassing or threatening messages online or by text, ask them to stop.  If they have not stopped, contact a parent or guardian and let them know the situation.  If it is happening at school, report it to a school official.  If possible, save the messages to show the officials.

If someone is distributing a derogatory picture of you online or posting derogatory comments about you online, contact your parents or guardian.  Contact a school official if this is happening at school.

Don’t be a cyberbully!  Do not post derogatory things about others online.  Do not post pictures of people online without their permission.  Doing these things can get you into legal trouble.

Think about what you say.  If you are saying things online that can hurt other people, stop yourself.  Even if you think the conversation is private, it could be copied and distributed online or by email to anyone.

Posting Videos or Photos Online

Do not post sexually provocative video or photos of yourself online.  Once you make a video or photo public on the internet, you relinquish all control over it and how it is used.  Remember, once it is publicly online anyone can save it or post it on other sites.  If you do not want everyone to see it, don’t post it.

Many employers and college admission officers check social networking and video sharing sites.  Something you put online could jeopardize your chances pf getting a job or getting into a school of your choice.

Do not share photos or videos of yourself or your friends that contain revealing information that could be used to locate you. 

Notify you parents or guardian if someone has posted a video or photo of you online without your permission. 

Notify your parents or guardian if someone has exposed you to inappropriate or sexual material online or through a video chat.  Contact the authorities about the situation.

Online File Sharing – Peer-to-Peer Networks

Be careful where you download a file from.  The file could contain a virus that can infect your computer.  You may also unknowingly pass a virus onto to other computers.

File sharing of copyrighted material such as music and movies without permission is illegal.  You or your parents could be subject to lawsuits if you are sharing copyrighted material online.  Educate yourself on copyright laws.

Download music and video from legal sites.  There are sites out there that are safe and legal to download from.  You do have to pay for the material, but it is safe and legal.

Remember, keep the lines of communication open with your parents.  If you feel you can’t talk to them about things happening online, find another trusted adult to talk to.  Your teachers, principal, or other family members are good places to go.  You are never alone, let them know how you are feeling!

Links for Students:

Teens:

http://xblock.isafe.org/ - The iSAFE site for teenagers.  There are videos that teens can view about internet safety.  They can get certified in internet safety as iMENTORS and teach others safe online strategies.

http://www.netsmartz.org/netteens.htm - The Netsmartz site for teenagers.  On this site, teenagers can learn more about internet safety as well as watch videos on the subject.

http://msn.staysafeonline.com/teens/default.html - Internet Safety topics and strategies for teenagers.

Kids:

http://www.netsmartzkids.org/indexFL.htm - The Netsmartz site for kids.  The site contains online safety games and activities for children.

http://www.disney.go.com/surfswell/index.html - Surf Swell Island from Disney.  This site contains games and activities about internet safety.