Internet Tips For Students

• Avoid the Dangers of Instant Messaging


• Protect Yourself while using Instant Messaging


• Follow the Rules


• Protect your Information


• Answers


• Security


• Strangers


• Cyberbullying

• Be Aware,   Instant Messaging is never 100% secure



• Instant Messaging provides an easy way for a stranger to contact you or find out vital information about you



• If IM privacy settings are not set on your IM account, anyone could watch you while you are online

• Be sure to set your privacy settings



• Allow only people you know "IRL" (in real life) on your "buddy list"



• If you receive an IM from someone not on your "buddy list", or from a stranger, you can block them from contacting you



• Be sure not to provide any personal information about you or your family in your "buddy info" or profile

• to threaten people over the Internet or phone



• to send graphic photos to people under the age of 18



• to harass or bully anyone



• to use other's credit cards without permission



• to download music without permission



• to use someone else's identity without permission

• Do not give out your name, address, phone number, photo, birthdate, or social security number



• Use extreme caution when writing your profile



• Protect your password from others, even your friends.  Giving them your password is like giving them the keys to your house



• Beware of free offers and surveys

• Never respond if you feel uncomfortable



• Never say you're alone



• Don't answer chat room questions, even with lies

• Kids and teens should not make online purchases



• Use caution when downloading music and games.  Check with your parents and your school before using file-sharing programs



• Enable Firewalls



• Use Virus Checkers



• Install Security updtes from your Internet Service Provider

• On-line "friends" are still strangers



• Meetings are forbidden



• People on the Internet may have many identities

• Cyberbullying is the computer version of bullying.  It is the sending or posting of harmful or cruel text or images over the Internet, or through other methods of communication



• A cyberbully is a bully that chooses to use the Internet for purposes of bullying or harassing others.   This bully may be someone a student knows, or a stranger on the Internet



• A cyberbully is usually under the misconception that their identity is anonymous, thus empowering them to bully, harass, or transmit pictures across the Internet or Instant Messenger.  What they don't realize, is that every time they send a message, they are creating cyber-footprints which can be traced to their IP address.



• Cyberbullying is against the law



• If you or someone you know is a victim of cyberbullying, tell a responsible adult immediately.  They will contact the proper authority to put an end to the cyberbullying.









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