Internet Safety
One of the most important issues facing adults and children today is safety on the internet. While the internet is a great source of information and entertainment, we are all at risk when using the internet. It is vitally important that we all understand those risks and know what rules to follow for our safety. Below is some great sources of information on the topic of internet safety.
Safety Rules Additional Links
Don’t believe everything you see
You’ve probably heard “honesty is the best policy” at least a million times, but there are people who choose not to believe it. So when you're out there in cyberspace, watch yourself. You never know when 5-foot-6 blond female could actually be a 6-foot-3 hairy male with dangerous intentions. Don’t believe everything you see online.
Don’t give out personal info to strangers
Be leery of those who want to know too much. You never should tell anyone where you live, what your last name is, or any other personal information. Your business is your business. Let them stick to theirs. And trust your instincts. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, leave.
Buddy up
We all remember the “buddy system” from kindergarten. Sure, you’re no longer in kindergarten, but the system still works. If you plan to meet up with somebody you met online, bring along a friend, or even your parents. And encourage your online acquaintance to bring theirs, too. It sounds stupid, but it’s definitely the smart idea. At the very least, make sure your real friends know what you’re doing.
If you don’t trust it, trash it
If you get suspicious e-mail, files or pictures from someone you don’t know or trust, trash them just like any other junk mail. You have a lot to lose by trusting someone you’ve never met. The same goes for clicking links or URLs that look suspicious – just don’t do it.
Look before you chat
Avoid chat rooms or discussion areas that look sketchy or provocative, and don’t let people who are online trick you into thinking of them as real-life friends if you’ve never met them in person. Just the same, don’t let people goad you into online fights. If you go looking for trouble on the Internet, you’ll find it, and things can get out of control really fast.
http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm
http://www.netsmartz.org/flash/index.html
http://www.staysafeonline.info/
http://www.msn.staysafeonline.com/
http://www.cookiecentral.com/faq/
Hatboro Troop 3 does not endorse any of the sites or products sold through any of the sites listed above.
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