INTERNET SAFETY

Even something that seems harmless, like surfing the Net can be risky. Any time you give out personal information online (like credit card or social security numbers) or even your name and address, this information can be used by criminals as false credentials. They can steal your identity or make you a target of fraud. If you go to chat rooms, you really never know who you’re actually talking to. You may start flirting or even tease someone online because you think it’s safe. But many teenagers have been enticed to meet in-person with online friends, who wound up being sexual predators looking to take advantage or do serious harm. How you present yourself, in the real or virtual world, can carry risk.

Topics

Overview

The Internet is a great place to hang out. It’s fun, educational and allows you to get news, download music and the latest sports info. There are many benefits but also many dangers.
By making yourself aware of the many dangers lurking about the world wide web and learning how to avoid them, you can take advantage of all the wonderful things the Internet has to offer, while avoiding the dangers.

Feeling Uncomfortable

It’s not just physical danger you may come across on line. Sometimes you may find yourself in situations that can make you feel uneasy and very uncomfortable.

Some websites and chatrooms contain materials that have sexual and violent content. What you’re seeing on these sites may compromise your values and beliefs. It’s also easy to find yourself in situations where others are coming on to you in chatrooms, through IM or even on your cell phones. This may be instigated by peers or older adults posing as teenagers. Remember… you don’t have to put up with this unwanted, inappropriate behavior.

Physical Danger

Putting yourself in physical danger is the most serious risk online. This can happen in a couple of ways:

Someone can hurt or exploit you…

  • Because of information you post or someone else posts about you online
  • Because of something you do or somewhere you go as a result of what you encounter online

The most drastic dangers that can result from getting wrapped up in risky online behavior have tragic results such as running away from home, molestation or abduction.

Privacy & Financial Risk

When surfing the web we’ve all encountered those pesky pop-ups and unwelcome ads. These web advertisements are one way that the web can infringe on your privacy.

The internet also has people tapped in who may try to steal your money and/or identity - or that of your family. Keep your eyes open. When promised you can lose a lot of weight quickly or make a lot of money in a short period of time, take a closer look. Generally, these promises that seem way too good to be true, are. You may find yourself in the middle of a scam.

Cyber-Bullying & Harassment

Sometimes when you’re in a chatroom or bulletin board online, you may get messages that are mean, harassing or demeaning. The people who are sending the messages don’t know you so don’t take it personally. This type of message says a lot more about the character of the person sending it than about the person receiving it.

Try to ignore these hurtful messages and the person who is sending them BUT if the message is harassment (i.e. the messages or images you are receiving are dirty, indecent or obscene and the person sending them intends to abuse, annoy, harass or threaten you), report it to your Internet service provider and the local police department….This is a crime under federal law. If this bullying or harassment takes place at school, or involves other students from your school, you should also report it to school authorities.