Smart Surfing for Kids

• Always get permission from your parents/guardian before using the internet.
• Meeting people online might be fun, but remember the people you meet online may not be who they say they are. Someone claiming to be a 12 year-old girl may be a 40 year-old man.
• Ask your parents or guardian before you give anyone on the internet your name or address, phone number or any other personal details. This includes the name of your school, your photo or any personal information about your friends or family.
• If anyone asks you for personal information or if you feel uncomfortable in any way when chatting, log off and tell an adult.
• Always tell an adult if you receive a message that is scary, threatening or rude. Do not respond and log off.
• If you want to meet someone you have so far only met online, ask a parent or another adult to go with you and always meet in a popular public place, preferably during the day.
• Keep your password a secret, never give it to anyone (even your best friend).
• Always ask a parent or adult before you fill out any forms, or give out money or credit card details.
• Avoid opening email from unknown sources.
• Be polite when entering a chat room, check out what people are talking about before participating. Be careful not to use bad language, providers will terminate your account.