Internet security

The Internet has opened up a whole new world for people of all ages. You can shop, plan vacations, send photos to family, chat with friends, and even do research for school. This new way of finding information and communicating comes with risks.

What is an internet address?

If you want to start using the Internet, you will probably use a web browser called Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. To access a "website" you need a "web address". There are four main types of web addresses. The endings give an idea of the type of web address. For example:

Web addresses that end in .gov are government websites. www.girlshealth.gov is a government site.
Web addresses ending in .edu refer to websites associated with educational institutions such as schools and colleges. Visit the college website at www.harvard.edu.
Web addresses ending in .org are usually, but not always, associated with an organization.
Web addresses ending in .com are associated with a commercial site or a company that sells something.

Can I trust everything I read on the Internet?

The answer is no! Being able to tell whether something on the Internet is reliable, accurate, true, or real is difficult for adults and even harder for teenagers. Some of the information available is good, but some is simply wrong. One must first question the source. So how do you determine which information is correct and which is not? Here are some general tips on how to know if a website and information is reliable:

Websites that end in .gov are generally trusted because they are associated with our government.
Find the name of the organization, the author of the website and the date the information was last updated. Reliable websites often have a list of links or contacts where you can find out where the information was originally taken from.
If you are looking for facts, check several different websites to compare information. When in doubt, check the facts in the library. This way you will know which websites are providing you with the correct information.
Ask your teachers about trusted websites for homework help. Once you find a reliable website, you can bookmark it so you can easily find it later.
Ask your doctor or school nurse which websites provide reliable medical information. When you get a recommendation from a professional, it is most likely a site with reliable information.
Reliable websites usually have reliable links. So when you get lucky and find a great website, you can also get to know other good sites.

What if I accidentally go to a website I should not see?

If you land on a site that you know is not for you, click the back button at the top of the screen. This will take you back to the original website you were browsing. If you get "pop-ups" (usually small windows with unwanted ads), just keep closing windows by pressing the X button until you return to the original screen you were watching. You must provide your parents/guardians with the website address so they can block this website from your computer. Many web browsers track web activity to create Internet history. Your parents/guardians may check the sites you have visited and remind you not to visit non-teen sites. If you land on a site that you know is not for you, click the back button at the top of the screen. This will take you back to the original website you were browsing. (usually small windows with unwanted ads), keep closing windows by pressing the X button until you return to the original screen you were watching. You should tell your parents/guardians what your web address is so they can block the site from your computer. Many web browsers track your browsing activity to create an Internet history. Your parents/guardians can check which websites you have viewed and remind you not to visit sites that are not intended for teenagers.

What should I know about uploading information?

From the Internet you can download all kinds of information, programs and music. After getting permission from your parents/guardians to download something, make sure you know exactly what you are downloading and where the download is coming from before you do so. If you do not know who is sending you information, do not download it, as it may contain a virus that can damage your computer.

If you accidentally start downloading something, click the "Stop" button at the top of the screen. This will stop the download and cancel the process.
Make sure you have an updated version of your antivirus software installed on your computer.

What should I do if I want to start using the Internet?

If you want to start using the Internet to find information, chat with friends, or send them emails, it's important that you talk to your parents first. Even if your parents don't know much about computers or the Internet, they can help you think about how to keep yourself safe. You can work together and agree on rules for using the Internet, such as when and if you can access the Internet, what types of websites you can access and how to set up an account, messaging. You and your parents can set up filters, which means that certain sites containing inappropriate material, such as hate or violent messages, will not open on your computer.

What type of online name to choose?

You should never use your real name as your online name. By using your real name, anyone can immediately tell who you are and possibly learn more about you. This is especially true in chat rooms, where you can comfortably chat with someone and suddenly realize that they know something about you.

You probably want your online name to describe who you are, but be careful with the name and the words you choose. Remember that when you talk to people you don't know well online, some people may judge you unfairly by your online name. For example, if you choose a name like hotbabe13, people will get the wrong impression of you and you will most likely receive unwanted emails from people who only respond to your online name and not who you are. in fact. If you can't think of a name online to use without describing something about yourself, try using the name of a candy bar, a color, or something else that isn't personal. If the name is already taken, you can try adding some numbers, for example - Green123.

What is a profile?

When you create a name or an online email account, you may be required to create a profile to identify yourself. Talk to your parents first about whether you need to complete this information. The profile will ask you for personal information such as your name, address, and hobbies. Remember that your profile is the fastest way to find out more about you. Never use your last name or address!

What if I accidentally go to a site that I shouldn't see?

What is chat and are they safe?

Some online services allow you to chat with other people, a place where you can talk to several people at the same time. Chats are often organized around topics such as sports, hobbies and fan clubs. There are so many different types of chat rooms that you can chat with people from all over the world 24 hours a day.

Please make sure you have permission from your parents or guardians before entering the chat!

Some chats are considered safe because the topic being discussed is safe and the discussion is moderated. Even if the topic is chosen correctly, some people may talk about other things that may make you uncomfortable.

Can a chat moderator make sure nothing bad happens in the chat?

The chat moderator oversees the chat. A moderator can kick someone out of the chat if they write something they shouldn't, but a moderator can't stop you from entering a private chat with someone who might hurt or threaten you. If you are allowed to participate in the chat, be sure to check the topic first. Your parents can check the chat room first to make sure the conversation is going well. Some people in a conversation may want to pretend that you are someone you are not, or act out their fantasy by saying bad things to you. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, leave the chat immediately.

What should I know about uploading information?

From the Internet you can download all kinds of information, programs and music. Once you've got parental permission to download something, make sure you know exactly what you're downloading and who you're downloading from before you do so. If you do not know who is sending you information, do not download it, as it may contain a virus that can damage your computer.

If you accidentally start downloading something, click the "Stop" button at the top of the screen. This will stop the download and cancel the process.
Make sure you have the latest virus protection software installed on your computer!

What is proper internet manners?

Netiquette is a word used to describe internet etiquette (good manners) or how you should behave online. It is important to always be considerate of others and never use foul language. Only say online what you would say to a person face to face. Some Internet Service Providers (the company that runs your email program) may monitor what you say to others. If you use obscene language, your Internet Service Provider may send a warning to your online account manager, which is usually the parent. Your Internet Service Provider or your parents may prevent you from using the Internet!

Can I share my password with my best friend?

No. You should not share your password with any of your friends, not even your best friend. The only people who need to know your Internet or email password are you and your parents! If you give someone your password, they can read anything you want to keep private. The other person may use profanity or visit sites where you should not be using your name.

Is there anything I shouldn't tell anyone on the Internet?

Yes! Just as you wouldn't go up to a stranger and tell them your name, where you live, where you go to school, or give out your phone number, you shouldn't share such information online either. It is very important that you do not send emails or instant messages to people you do not know or share any information that could identify you. Do not post your photo online unless you are emailing a friend or family member.

Remember:

Do not give credit card information over the Internet. It's easy to steal your money this way.
Do not email your photo or information about where you live or go out.
Never give out your name, address, phone number or other information about yourself.

How do I know if someone is telling the truth?

The scary thing is that it's REALLY hard to tell if someone is telling the truth, especially on the internet. There are people who lie about their identity and harass young girls online. For example, someone may lie to you and tell you that they are much younger or even older than they really are. Even if you try to verify a person by reading their online profile, the person can easily lie about themselves and their age. The bottom line is that some people using the Internet are not trustworthy and can harm you.

What if someone I'm talking to online wants to meet them in person?

Even if you think you know someone you met online, that person is still a stranger. It's best to never date someone you met online in person. If someone you met online wants to meet you in person, you should tell your parents or an adult you trust immediately.

What should I do if someone on the Internet is stalking me?

If someone online sends you a lot of emails, follows you in chats, or sends you messages even after you stop responding, that person may be bothering you. First, tell your parents immediately. The next step is to try to ignore the person while you are online to see if they leave you alone and take the hint. If they continue to bother you even after you stop responding, you and your parents can call your ISP and complain about the other person. You and your parents can also contact the police. It's not your fault if someone starts bothering you! You and your parents can stop them from stalking you and anyone else.