Online Safety


Online safety is important in protecting yourself against online predators.

Teen

What is online safety?

Online safety is taking precautions to protect yourself while using the Internet. It’s important to know how to protect your personal information and keep it from getting into the wrong hands.

Online safety is important in protecting yourself against online predators. Use caution when posting anything online. If your friend’s friend can lurk on your past posts, so can anyone else. Sharing your life on social media is like letting a stranger into your life. You should end communication with any online “friend” if they begin to harass you. If you feel unsafe or threatened online, tell a trusted adult such as a parent, family member, teacher, or school counselor.

Don’t risk your safety online, follow these 5 online safety tips:

Keep your private information to yourself! You can’t tell who is on the other side of your screen. Combining a photograph with personal information can make it extremely easy for a predator to find you.

Be aware of sending images or information that have a location tag. Many phones and apps do this automatically, so make sure you check your settings carefully.

Keep online friendships virtual. Be extremely careful about meeting someone in person. If you do decide to meet the new online friend, bring a trusted adult with you.

Don’t provoke or seek a reaction by responding to negative posts or comments. Do not to respond to any messages or posts written about you, no matter how hurtful or untrue. Responding will only make the situation worse and provoking a reaction from you is exactly what predators want.

Think before posting! All posts are permanently public, even if your accounts are on “private.” Remember that nothing you post on the Internet is actually anonymous or disappears. And never send or forward any type of inappropriate image online, via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, or text messages.