Be smart and be safe online

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There are some really cool things to do on the Internet but when you are online there are some smart rules you need to remember.

Staying safe in chat rooms

• be careful about strangers on the Net
• people may not be who they say they are!
• always tell an adult you trust when you join a new chat room or message board
• don't save your password on the computer and don't tell anyone it
• never tell anyone your real name - make up a cool username
• never tell anyone what school you're at or where you live
• never give out your email address, home or mobile number
• never give out real names - make up online names for your friends
• never post your photo on the Net or send it by email to someone you don't know
• never arrange to meet an online friend alone!
• if you see upsetting language, nasty pictures or scary things on the Internet report it to staff in the library or tell your parents

• always delete emails from people or companies you don't know
• some emails contain viruses that can damage your computer
• always delete messages that make you feel uncomfortable

There are loads of great sites out there that we want you to enjoy so remember these simple rules and be smart and safe online.

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Here are some more good sites for tips on Internet safety just click on the icons and explore.





It's always good to know the rules before you set foot in a new country, and the Net is the newest country of all. Remember that people from other countries will be sharing ideas and the rule of the game is respect. Don't worry about having to learn all this new stuff - you newbies will soon learn all this Net jargon!

• Never use all capital letters, it is considered as shouting and it's hard on the eyes
• Think before you type! Whatever you say always comes back to haunt you
• Don't refer to anyone online with their offline names, unless they say it's okay
• Don't copy other people's material and pretend it's yours
• Don't do anything online you wouldn't do offline
• 'Flaming' is starting or provoking an argument and is bad netiquette
• 'Spamming' is posting something in many places at the same time - its a no-no
• Don't jump into the middle of a chat - learn the rules and get to know the tone
• Don't correct anyone in public - send them an email if they're wrong

Remember just because you are hiding in your room behind a computer monitor you aren't exempt from correct and thoughtful communication. You are not as anonymous as you think you are. Big brother's watching! (Information from the Issues Online website)

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