Make sure there is no response to rude or harassing emails. (keep a record in case of further investigation)
Internet Safety Tips for Secondary Students
Immediately exit any site that makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.
If the harassment continues….your current email account can be deleted and a new one started. Your new email address should only be given to a selected few.
If receiving harassing messages on MSN – have the sender blocked.
Computers, laptops or any technology SHOULD be in a common area of the house NOT IN THE BEDROOM! Your parents should walk past regularly.
Do not have a ‘suggestive’ or ‘flirty’ log on name.
NEVER allow explicit photos of yourself to be taken in ANY circumstance
If you have found inappropriate content about yourself on a website or are informed about this situation please contact the ISP and or Police or tell your parents to do so ASAP.
Help your parents to learn about the internet – share your knowledge of the internet with your parents in a fun environment. If they have some knowledge they will be less likely to be suspicious about ‘socialising online’.
Let your parents know where you go online, just as you would in real life.
Ask your parents to spend time online with you – learn and explore together.
Make sure your computer has a good filter and other monitoring/blocking software to minimise dangers.
Make sure you are on safe and suitable sites. Filters CAN sometimes fail to protect.
There should be house rules about what information you can put onto websites or share with others.
Remember that the internet is PERMANENT….be mindful of what you post and how you portray yourself. Pics etc can remain FOREVER
Teach your parents the language or Common Internet Acronyms of cyberspace.
ABSOLUTELY NO EXCHANGE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION!
Social Networking Profiles such as Facebook, Instagram etc. SHOULD BE SET TO PRIVATE.
Friends on MSN contacts and social networking sites should be people that your child knows in real life. This is one way to reduce possible risks. Anyone can be anyone online.
An ‘online friend’ that you don’t know in real life is a STRANGER.
Passwords MUST NOT BE SHARED!!!!! Choose passwords that others can’t guess…..not your fav food or pets name. Should be a mix of caps/letters/numbers/symbols.
Change passwords 4 times per year (last day of every term).
Be aware that information on the internet is not always reliable.
Very close supervision for young children is recommended. There should be a limit to the email correspondence/msn to be a list of friends and family that has been approved.
If you are playing games online, YOUR parents should know how to play the game too in case of problems. Play online games together.
Misuse of the internet and associated technology (bullying/harassing someone) is a crime.…don’t break the law and risk getting a criminal record.
Do not let young children ‘google’ aimlessly with no supervision. Children need to be taught about search engines and how they work.
Learn how search engines work. The first website returned may not be the best.
The internet and the various applications are a lot of fun and a wonderful tool…maximize the benefits and surf safely together!
Please note that this list is by no means exhaustive and that there is no guarantee that adherence to these tips will provide 100% protection or safety for those using the various applications of the internet.
