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Great Hollow Middle School |
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150 Southern Blvd. |
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Nesconset, NY 11767 |
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Internet Safety Tips Worldwide, an estimated 605.6 million individuals -- 9.5% of the entire population -- went online in 2002. Not all of them are nice people. i-SAFE America has created this list of Internet safety tips to help your family recognize online danger and take the appropriate steps to protect yourselves.
A responsible adult should always accompany minors while they access the Internet to provide support and direction should they be confronted with an aggressive solicitation or inappropriate materials.
Criminals copy logos perfectly to trick you. Legitimate companies never send unsolicited requests for personal information. Never give out personal information unless you initiate the correspondence.
Respect your child's privacy but make certain they know personally everyone on their e-mail "buddy" list. Work to generate parent and child trust that supports open and honest Internet use.
Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are activated by opening an infected e-mail attachment. "Spoof" viruses make e-mail look like someone you know sent the message. Use updated anti-virus software, install a firewall, and regularly monitor your computer.
Using file-sharing programs for downloading music can open up your computer to identity thieves by giving access to your personal information. Downloading music and movies without paying for it is illegal.
It can be a fun journey to explore the wonders of the Internet as a family. As computer-savvy as kids and teens are today, they will certainly teach you a thing or two!
These are only some of the measures you can take to ensure your child has a safe and enjoyable Internet experience. This tip sheet is only a small part of the i-Parent Campaign. Go to the Outreach & Parents section at www.isafe.org for more information on how you can bring the message of Internet safety to your community. Remember the 4 Rs RECOGNIZE techniques used by online predators to deceive, groom, or intimidate their victims. REFUSE requests for personal information or a face-to-face meeting. RESPOND assertively by exiting the program, logging off, or turning off the computer. REPORT any suspicious or dangerous contact that makes you or your child feel uncomfortable. Internet Safety Links Internet Smarts: Safeguarding your children in Cyberspace -- download a copy or order a free booklet. Safekids Web -- Microsoft, in cooperation with the Naperville (Ill.) Police Department's Internet Crimes Unit (NPD) and the Illinois Attorney General's Internet Task Force, created the this site to help parents and educators teach children the fundamental "rules of the road" for safe exploration on the information highway. WiredSafety -- Provides help, information and education on internet safety and internet privacy and security.
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