When students develop internet behaviours without guidance, problems are sure to occur. Teaching students some key messages from a young age will help them navigate their way safely through the internet as they grow older.

For Students

1. Talk to your parents about what you’re doing online and let them know when you’re going on the internet.

2. Guard your identifying information (name, sex, age, address, school, teams).

3. Choose sensible names for usernames, email addresses etc.

4. It only takes a little information for a predator to identify you.

5. Always remember, responsible adults do not pursue relationships with kids and teens.

6. Make your username generic and anonymous.

7. Remember that you cannot believe everything you read on the internet and you can’t trust everything online friends tell you.

8. Know how to exit an inappropriate website.

9. Don’t add people as online friends unless you know them in real life or have parent permission. Never arrange to meet an online friend without talking to a parent.

10. Attachments in e-mails from strangers can contain Viruses and Worms.

11. Pictures are great to hand to a friend, but it’s not cool to send them to an Internet ‘friend.’

12. Posting your picture on the Internet gives hackers the chance to your picture and make fun of you to everyone on the World Wide Web.

13. Chat room ‘friends’ are not always who they say they are.

14. Know the rules about Intellectual Property. Do not illegally download music and movies.

For Parents

1. Always keep your child’s computer in an open area. Never allow a computer with Internet access in your child’s bedroom.

2. Communicate. There is no better tool to bridge the Digital Divide.

3. Become a part of your child’s online experience.

4. Develop an open dialogue so that you can talk with your kids about the benefits and dangers of the Internet. Cultivate an interest in their online activities—their favorite Web sites, online games, and interests. And don’t be afraid to ask your children who they are talking to online and what they are talking about.

5. Regularly review your computer files.

6. Teach your child the responsible use of online resources.

7. Talk to your child about online dangers. Let them know you are there to help them get out of a bad situation.

8. With a game plan and a protected computer, you can now encourage your family to take advantage of all that the Internet has to offer. Take a genuine interest in what your kids are doing and stay engaged with them online.

9. Talk to other parents about your experiences. It will help everyone.

10. Let your child know responsible adults do not purse relationships with minors

11. Tell your children never to respond to messages that have bad words, are scary, or just seem weird.

12. Tell children never send a picture of themselves to anyone without your permission.