Safety on the Internet.
While there are hundreds of sites about keeping 'kids' safe on the internet, and so there should be but it seems that there is less advice for people over the age of sixteen.
It seems to be assumed that at that age and beyond you are 'savvy' enough to look after yourself and in most cases it will be true.
Anyone between the ages of 16 to 24 have grown up with computers and the internet and ARE aware of the safety issues and while that can only be good it can't hurt to go over a few points.
At this point I expect that some of you are yawning and thinking to yourself: 'I know everything that you are about to say'. But what if you don't? Will five minutes of your time be too much to spare to read on? Have a go.
The internet seems like one of the wonders of the world, you can go anywhere, see anything, buy sell, gather information and a huge range of other activities BUT remember this:
- Not everyone on the internet is who they seem to be so be careful how you interact with new 'friends'.
- Be careful about personal information. Don't give out your mobile number, even if the other person says they only want to text you. Keep your home addresses private.
- There is no need to give out your personal e-mail address. Most good networking sites have an internal messaging system so use this instead.
- If you feel harassed or suffer bullying then contact the site administrator immediately. This is part of what they are there for. The contact point is usually on the bottom menu. They WILL sort out any problems.
- Profile pages are good fun but with millions of pictures out there don't automatically assume that the picture posted on someone else's profile is actually them!
- Be very careful about going to sites that someone sends you a link to as the site may have viruses or disturbing images.
- Be very cafefull about giving out exact details about your routine.
- We strongly advise you never to meet anyone that you know JUST from the Internet. However, if you do decide to meet - make sure it's in a very public place and NEVER go alone, take friends and tell people where you are going and when you will be back. Anyone who wants to be your friend won't mind that you have got friends with you.
- If you EVER feel threatened and have no one to turn to for help then contact the police. If you need to then do not be afraid to dial 999. Whatever you might have heard the police are there to help. If you are wrong then NO ONE will tell you off or be angry.
Lastly. The internet can be fun and social networking sites are very popular and enjoyable to use but think about safety too.
The Studyvox Team