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Safety on the Internet
For those who are new to the Internet the idea of navigating it can be intimidating and often scary. After all, anyone in the world can publish material on the Internet. Although ISPs (Internet Service Providers) try to insure that their customers have a safe Internet experience, they cannot control the material that is posted on web sites. It is up to you to know your rights and to behave in a safe and appropriate manner when you are online.
Here are some Internet safety tips to help you and your family feel secure
online:
online:DON’T give out personal information like your address, phone number, social security number, bank account numbers and credit card numbers in chat rooms or instant messenger services. Use discretion when providing personal information to companies and organizations.
like your address, phone number, social security number, bank account numbers and credit card numbers in chat rooms or instant messenger services. Use discretion when providing personal information to companies and organizations.DON’T respond to messages that are obscene, threatening or make you feel uncomfortable. If you receive a threatening or harassing message, or one of an explicit sexual nature, forward it to your ISP so they can assist you.
it to your ISP so they can assist you.DO use caution when meeting someone from an Internet chat room or message board in person. It is not a good idea to allow a child to meet someone from an Internet chat room or message board in person.
DO monitor children’s Internet use. Determine which sites are appropriate for your children to view and set rules governing Internet use in your home.
The Children’s Internet Protection Act was created in 1999 to identify material that is harmful to minors. It demands that schools and libraries have Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. The Act protects your children when they use the Internet in public institutions, but it is a parent’s duty to ensure that children use the Internet safely at home. Parental controls help parents do that. Parental controls vary, but most restrict children's and teenagers’ access to inappropriate web content. Parents are able to customize their children’s access based on their age or maturity level. Some parental control software allows parents to track their children’s activity on the Internet and view the websites that they have visited. Many ISPs provide parental controls for free or for a small fee.
Email Safety Tips
Having an email address can be a great way to keep in touch with people, but it is also a responsibility. You should always take precautions when using your email address. Here are some tips for how to be responsible about having an email address:
- Only give out your email address to family and friends. This will help reduce unwanted emails, which are also known as “spam.”
- Try to memorize your password rather than writing it down. This way, no one else can find it.
- Don't give the password to your e-mail service or to anyone that you don't know or trust.
- You can send more than just simple text in email messages. For instance, you can also send attachments through email.
Attachments can be word processing files, photos, spreadsheets, or video files. When receiving attachments over e-mail, do not download attachments from people you don’t know, or from people you don’t trust. These attachments could contain viruses, which can harm your computer.
, which can harm your computer.- Don't click on unknown links in emails. Doing so could send you to offensive or explicit websites or lead to unsolicited emails and advertisements.
- Try to avoid sending private or secret information through email.
- If you don’t like receiving advertisements in your email, do not sign up for unnecessary mailing lists.
