Avoid the Dangers of Social Media Sites
- Be Aware, Social Media Sites are never 100% secure.
- Social Media provides an easy way for a stranger to contact you or find out vital information about you.
- If privacy settings are not set on your social media accounts, anyone could watch you while you are online.
Protect Yourself while using Social Media Sites
- Be sure to set your privacy settings.
- Allow only people you know to “follow” you; or to be on your “friends” list.
- If you receive a request or invitation from someone not on your list of “followers” or your “friends” list, and they are a stranger to you- block them from contacting you.
- Be sure that you do not provide any personal information about you or your family in your profile.
Follow the Rules
It is illegal:
- 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 their permission.
- to download music without permission.
- to use someone else´s identity without their permission.
Protect your Information
- Do not give out your personal information such as your name, address, phone number, photo, birthdate, or social security number.
- Use extreme caution when creating 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.
Answers
- Never respond if you feel uncomfortable.
- Never say you´re alone.
- Don´t answer questions, even with lies.
Security
- Kids and teens should not make online purchases.
- Use caution when downloading music and games. Check with your parents and your school before using any file-sharing program.
- Enable Firewalls.
- Use Virus Checkers.
- Install Security updates from your Internet Service Provider.
Strangers
- On-line “friends” are still strangers.
- Meetings are forbidden.
- People on the Internet may have many identities.
Cyberbullying
- 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 Social Media sites. 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.