Online Safety and Social Media

Rules for Online Safety

  • Do not give out personal information like your address, telephone number, parents' work address or telephone number without your parents' permission.
  • Tell your parents right away if you come across anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
  • Never agree to get together with someone you meet online without first checking with your parents. If your parents agree to the meeting, be sure that it is in a public place and bring a parent along.
  • Talk to your parents about posting pictures of yourself or others online and don't post any pictures that your parents consider to be inappropriate.
  • Do not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make you feel uncomfortable.
    • It is not your fault if you get a message like that.
    • If you do, tell your parents right away.
  • Talk to your parents to set up rules for going online and using a mobile phone. Talk about time of day, length of time to be online and appropriate areas for you to visit.
  • Do not give out your passwords to anyone (even your best friend) other than your parents.
  • Check with your parents before downloading or installing software or doing anything that could possibly hurt your computer, mobile device or your family's privacy.
  • Be a good digital citizen and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.
  • Help your parents understand how to have fun and learn things online and teach them things about the Internet, computers and other technology.

Resources

For information on removing pictures and videos, dealing with peers, getting emotional support visit the Need Help Now website. This site helps teens stop the spread of sexual pictures or videos and provides support along the way.

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