>+Internet+Safety+Rules+for+Students+and+Parents

=Internet Safety Tips for Students and Parents =

**Learn the 4 Rs**
Most studies agree there are 77 million of you on the Internet! Almost as many students as there are things to do online. The Internet has infinite possibilities, and it is easy to get lost. Sometimes when you are lost you discover wonderful new places, but just as easily you can find yourself in a dangerous situation. You must protect yourself from the pitfalls lurking online. To help you, i-SAFE America has come up with these tips. > It only takes a little information for a predator to identify you.**
 * R ECOGNIZE ** techniques used by online predators to deceive.
 * R EFUSE ** requests for personal information.
 * R ESPOND ** assertively if you are ever in an uncomfortable situation online. Exit the program, log off or turn off the computer, tell a trusted adult, or call the police.
 * R EPORT ** to a trusted adult any suspicious or dangerous contact that makes you feel uncomfortable.
 * for Students**
 * **Guard your identifying information (name, sex, age, address, school, teams).
 * **Always remember, responsible adults do not pursue relationships with kids and teens.**
 * **Make your username generic and anonymous.**
 * **Make your online profile generic and anonymous.**
 * **Know how to exit an inappropriate website.**
 * **Attachments in e-mails from strangers can contain Viruses and Worms.**
 * **Pictures are great to hand to a friend, but it’s not cool to send them to an Internet “friend.”**
 * **Posting your picture on the Internet gives hackers the chance to doctor your picture and make fun of you to everyone on the World Wide Web.**
 * **Chat room “friends” are not always who they say they are.**
 * **Know the rules about Intellectual Property. Do not illegally download music and movies.**

Our children are the first generation to grow up with the Internet. Technology only changes the advantages kids and teens have. It does not change the way you parent. The rules may have changed with the Internet, but you are still the one making them. In an effort to help parents, i-SAFE America has come up with a list of tips to protect your children. Whether you are computer savvy or Internet illiterate these tips are easy to understand, follow, and implement.
 * for Parents**
 * **Always keep your child’s computer in an open area. Never allow a computer with Internet access in your child’s bedroom.**
 * **Communicate. There is no better tool to bridge the Digital Divide.**
 * **Become a part of your child’s online experience.**
 * **Respect your child’s privacy.**
 * **Regularly review your computer files.**
 * **Teach your child the responsible use of online resources.**
 * **Talk to your child about online dangers. Let them know you are there to help them get out of a bad situation.**
 * **Educate yourself on the ins and outs of the Internet.**
 * **Talk to other parents about your experiences. It will help everyone.**
 * **Let your child know responsible adults do not purse relationships with minors**

(http://www.isafe.org/channels/sub.php?ch=op&sub_id=media_tips)