Internet Lifeguard:

Surf-Smart

 The Internet is made up of a wide variety of people.  Most are decent and respectful, but some may be rude, obnoxious, insulting, or mean and exploitative, even criminal.  To deal with these people in society at large, we teach our children to be street-wise: we teach them basic rules of etiquette, about not speaking to or accepting gifts or rides from strangers and the like.  

Children need to learn to Surf-Smart.  Then they can either avoid potentially risky people or situations, or know what to do if they come across them by accident.  To Surf-Smart is an essential skill for the future.  The truth is we all need to Surf-Smart, not just our children.  Children just happen to have taken to the Internet first and in greater numbers because of its use at school, and because they have fewer inhibitions about using new technologies.

Rules to Surf-Smart...

• Never tell anyone you meet on the Internet your home address, your telephone number or your school's name, unless your parent specifically gives you permission.
• Never send anyone your picture, credit card or bank details, or anything else, without first checking with your parent.
• Never give your password to anyone, even a best friend.
• Never plan a face-to-face meeting with online acquaintances, and tell your parent if you are approached for an offline meeting.
• Never hang around in a chat room or in a conference if someone says or writes something that makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, and always report it to your parent.
• Never respond to nasty, suggestive or rude e-mails or postings in Newsgroups.
• Always tell your parent if you see bad language or distasteful pictures while you are online.
• Always be yourself and do not pretend to be anyone or anything you are not.
• Always remember if someone makes you an offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is.

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