The Internet is an amazing resource for you to do research for school, download music and videos, game, make purchases, and most importantly, to connect with friends. But as you are probably well aware, there are a number of pitfalls to the Internet, from online predators, cyberbullies to identity theft, phishing e-mails and other internet-based scams.

Make things easy for yourself by agreeing to a family policy with your parents for safe Internet use so that neither you nor they have to have the same arguments over and over about what’s acceptable and what’s not about your online activities.

If you encounter anything online that makes you uncomfortable, either through surfing the net or in the content of an e-mail that you receive, don’t second guess yourself and tell a friend, parent, relative or teacher.

Don’t forget to keep your computer up-to-date by installing updates and renewing subscriptions to anti-virus and anti-spyware protection.

Social Networking (Chat Room “Netiquette”)

• If someone is acting like a jerk at a gaming site or in a chat room, ignore them or log off. There's no point in giving them any attention, or speak to your parents about what needs to be done to make you feel safe.
• When using social networking sites or IMing, treat others well. Gossip, sarcasm, and criticism hurt just as much online as in person.
  

• Never give out personal information - your full name, Social Security number, address, phone number, credit card numbers, school name, or parent's names.
• Check photos and videos to make sure you're not accidentally sharing information that would make you easy to track down. Background details like sports uniforms, well-known landmarks, and street signs can provide clues that might allow you to be located by untrustworthy or malicious people.
• Private MySpace or Facebook networks can introduce you to people you meet through friends you know, but never arrange to meet with a person you've only contacted online.

Identity Theft and Fraud

• Don’t respond to phishing scams- those that require you to provide private information to take advantage of a supposedly great opportunity. Reputable banks, online payment services, or stores don't request personal information through e-mail. Just delete e-mails from strangers or those with suspicious looking attachments.
• Don’t shop online without your parent’s permission, and when you do get permission, only purchase from well-known retailers who have secure sites for protecting credit card information.

A Word About Your 15 Minutes of Fame

The thing about the Internet is that once something is posted, it can be saved or printed by others so whether you or someone else is posting information or images of you online, there is no guarantee that it won’t come back to haunt you later in life.

Sure, today you might not be planning to become a movie star, contestant on American Idol, or politician, disgraced by a racy photo that was posted as a joke years earlier, but that doesn’t mean that 10 years from now you want to be reminded of that time that you bared a little more of your of soul or body, or insensitive jokes online, than you should have. As well, remember that potential employers, colleges, and scholarship committees can search you online as easily as your best friends can. Make sure they'll like what they see.

Remember There’s Life Offline Too!

Balance your online life with in-person relationships and activities. Spending time blogging, updating your profile, and e-mailing new friends can suck up huge amounts of time. Keep plenty of space in your life for your family, school, activities, and friends you can see face-to-face.

Report Inappropriate Content or Communications

Remember there is a reporting link on every page of this website at the bottom left. If you encounter child pornography or any activity related to, inappropriate e-mailing or the sexual exploitation of children on or offline, you can report it.