Cybersafety
Cybersafety isn’t a bunch of rules telling you “don't do this or that”, nor is it trying to scare you into safe behavior by being fearful online. Cybersafety is safe and responsible use of information and communication technologies. It is about avoiding being being ripped off, disrespected, bullied, harrassed, scammed, or stalked while you’re just trying to have a good time online. You don’t need to be sold on all the really great opportunities the information and communication technologies offers, but you do need to understand how to dodge problems. Staying safer just takes learning a few things.
Most of you are already pretty good at using the online sites you’re interested in or have friends that help you. But there is a real difference between the steps you’ve taken to be cybersafe and what it really takes to be Cybersmart and Cybercool online. The difference has nothing to do with how skilled you are at using Internet and communication services - even the most advanced Web developer has to learn how to be cybersafe because the dangers come from other people, not programming code.
Most of you are already pretty good at using the online sites you’re interested in or have friends that help you. But there is a real difference between the steps you’ve taken to be cybersafe and what it really takes to be Cybersmart and Cybercool online. The difference has nothing to do with how skilled you are at using Internet and communication services - even the most advanced Web developer has to learn how to be cybersafe because the dangers come from other people, not programming code.
Social Networking
Connecting with friends using social networking, instant messaging and chat are great ways to stay in touch and make new friends. However, you should always keep in mind that there are some risks meeting people online—especially if you don’t know them in real life. When you share things online you may be sharing with other people you do not know or trust. Once a message, photo or video has been shared, you won't be able to control where it goes.
Know the basics of safe social networking
Meeting online friends in the real world—do you know who you're really meeting?
If you want to arrange to meet an online friend, ask an adult or a trusted friend to go with you. Always meet in a public place and during the day. The following video shares the story of Julie who learned a hard lesson by not being safe online.
Know the basics of safe social networking
- Limit your friend list—don’t 'friend' random people or let just anyone follow you on Twitter or Google+
- Protect your privacy—don’t share your password and set your profile to private
- Your personal details are valuable—don’t share them and don't use your real full name on social media or IM accounts, use a fake name
- Protect your reputation—keep it clean and ask yourself: would you want others to see what you upload?
- Be careful who you trust—a person can pretend to be someone they are not
- Don't use a webcam with people you do not know
- Think before you post, chat, upload or download.
Meeting online friends in the real world—do you know who you're really meeting?
If you want to arrange to meet an online friend, ask an adult or a trusted friend to go with you. Always meet in a public place and during the day. The following video shares the story of Julie who learned a hard lesson by not being safe online.
Protect Yourself
The following video provides some quick tips on staying safe on the internet.
What to do?
If you or someone you know has been victimized by someone you met online, report them to a trusted adult and the www.cybertipline.com. You should report anyone who sends you obscene photos or videos, anyone who talks to you about sex, and anyone who asks you to meet offline. Stand up for yourself and make sure no one else becomes a victim.
Know your privacy settings of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and other sites you use. Update those settings regularly to insure your information and what you share is among friends.
Know your privacy settings of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and other sites you use. Update those settings regularly to insure your information and what you share is among friends.
This page was last updated on December 13, 2012.