Internet Safety for Youths

The internet can be a fun and educational place is you take the time to consider how to stay safe whilst you are online.

Below are some ideas on how to stay safe:

Never reveal:

Your true name
Your address or region
Your home or cell phone number
Holiday destinations
Your date of birth
Any information of clubs or memberships you belong to
Your personal password/s
School name and location

Take the time to carefully consider your email address makeup and username. It is recommended that you use a combination of letters and numbers and avoid including anything that can identify you as a male or female.

When you are in a chat room use a different nickname to your screen name or username, that way if you have to leave a chat room quickly because the conversation is uncomfortable or scaring you don’t have to worry that someone can track you down through your screen name.

Don’t believe everything you are told. Sexual predators may use photographs of teenagers and pass them off as pictures of themselves.

It is not uncommon for predators to ask you to use head sets whilst talking to you. You must never agree to this as they are asking you to do so because they do not want anyone to overhear your conversation.

If using a web cam keep in mind:

The clothing you are wearing whilst chatting
The location and angle of the camera
The background behind you. It is important that nothing highlights an address or personal information to help physically locate where you live.
If you are not using the camera: have it face a wall or unplug the camera.

If anything is said it a chat room or you see anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or scared then leave the chartroom straight away and tell an adult you trust.

It is advisable not to meet with anyone you meet online. However, if you do decide you are going to meet with them then it should always be in a public place. Let someone know where you are planning to meet this person and at what time and how long you are planning to be.

To report any concerns you may have with websites and/or content that is coming through on your computer contact your local law enforcement, the FBI or www.cybertip.ca

For additional information on online safety please take a few moments to look at www.kinsa.net

Additional websites that offer online education and safety tips:

Member login