Just like you wouldn't want to surf in real water when you don't know how to swim, you don't want to enter the Internet without knowing the rules of safety, would you?. Here are some tips to follow while surfing the net.
1) DON’T CHAT WITH STRANGERS- Your Parents are RIGHT when they say “DON'T TALK TO STRANGERS”. As far as possible NEVER talk with strangers in ADULT chat rooms. You really don't know who the person is that you are chatting with. Because you can't see or even hear the person it would be very easy for someone to mislead you. People on the Internet can pretend to be anyone or anything they want.
Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
Don't let them fool you. If you like to chat, make sure that your parents know that you are chatting, where you're chatting, with whom you're chatting, and what information you are giving people. Never use bad language & don't get into arguments with or answer anyone who uses bad language.
If you still chat, use a fun name when you're online, not your real name (not even your real first name). Don't ever give them your phone number or address. YES. Never give your name, address,phone number, credit card information to anyone. This is very important. People can track you down through the telephone directory, so be careful.
Never talk to anyone you met online over the phone, send them anything or accept anything from them or agree to meet with them unless your parents agree and are with you. Never show your picture online to someone without your parents' consent.
2) E-MAIL SAFETY- Never open up any e-mail or attached files or web pages that you receive from people you don't know. If it looks suspicious or odd, delete it without opening it. Or ask your parents to look at it first. Sometimes e mails may contain viruses which could harm your computer. Remember the famous pokeman virus which came disguised as a cute animation in e mails but which was actually a virus.
....Pokeman Ask your parents to install the latest anti-virus programmes.
3)ASK AND SURF. Only surf where your parents have given you permission. There's a reason why they restrict your surfing area and you should listen to them. If a web site looks suspicious or has a warning page about you being underage, leave immediately. Some sites are not meant for kids Do not go exploring.
If you come across a site that you aren't sure about ask your parents. Don't download any application from the internet that are from questionable sites. Some sites have viruses which come free with the download ! So be very careful with downloads. Better be safe than sorry.
4)PASSWORDS. Passwords are a secret so don't give out your passwords to anyone. Keep it with you like you would keep a secret of your friend.
5)BE PROTECTED-Ask your parents to install child-safe browsers meant for children. These browsers help & guide you to visit good and safe sites and automatically protect you from the bad ones.To know more about these browsers click here.
6)SET YOUR TIME- Don't spend all your time online. Set a time limit on your computer use.
7)FUN TO LEARN-INTERNET SAFETY LEARNING SITES- There are some sites on the internet which make internet safety really fun to learn. Visit them with your parents and learn safe surfing with them. They are really colorful and fun to visit.
So, with a little care & understanding, we can all make this internet a safe & better place.
We wish you happy and safe surfing :-)
