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Young people have heard the stories about those who are stalked by someone they met online or are the victim of an identity theft or computer hacker. Still, they think they have it under control. Young people are often naïve and think this could not happen to them—that they are immune to becoming a victim.

While young people often apply common sense and learned rules to avoid harmful situations in the physical world, they often don’t in the online world.  They do not make the connection that the same precautions must be applied to the cyber world.  That is why it is imperative that we teach students to understand why it is necessary to socialize safely online.

The NCSA and various consumer and education organizations recommend using these tips when talking to students about practicing safe online behavior when using social networking sites:

Protect Privacy. Keep personal information personal.  Students should never give out their Social Security number, address, phone number, or family financial information like bank and credit card account numbers.  Remind youngsters that sharing information about their family or friends can harm these people.  

User Name Savvy. A user name should not reveal too much personal information.  It could be dangerous for anyone to give away his/her name, gender, age, or hometown in their user name.  

Minimize Negative Publicity. Students should be aware that posting inappropriate photos could lead to damaged reputations and unwanted attention from others.  

No ‘Take Backs’. Once information is posted online, even if it’s later deleted or modified, the original will never be completely deleted.  

Don’t Talk to Strangers. Be careful about adding strangers to IM Buddy or friend lists—people are not always who they say they are.

Don’t Flirt with Danger.  Educate young people about the dangers of flirting with strangers online. People can easily lie about their identity while they are online and it is impossible to verify their true identity.

Go with Your Gut.  If a child feels threatened or uncomfortable by someone or something online, he/she needs to tell a parent, educator or another trusted adult who will know whether or not to report an incident to law enforcement and your Internet service provider.  

Cyber Strangers vs. Physical Strangers. Online friends should not be met offline.  Explain to youngsters that strangers in the online world pose a threat to them as much as strangers in the physical world.  

Don’t Accept Unsolicited Mail/Unmarked Packages. Teach students not to click on links or download attachments in emails from strangers or emails they are not expecting.  

Additional Resources for Parents:

• ConnectSafely.org, has basic guidelines for teens' safe blogging and social networking.
• OnGuardOnline.gov, from the Federal Trade Commission provides good advice on safe social networking.
• Getnetwise.org, has a database of software filters that prevent your child from entering his or her address, phone number, or other material.
• GetGameSmart.com, is website with information and resources to help families make smart choices about what they play, browse and watch.
• US-CERT.gov, The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) is a partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and the public and private sectors. US-CERT provides a way for citizens, businesses, and other institutions to communicate and coordinate directly with the United States government about cybersecurity. The site is a useful source of high level cybersecurity information.

Do you understand the ways to protect your home computer?