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Internet SAFETY

 

Internet Safety Tips for Parents

 

Using digital devices to connect with friends and family and using social media tools is a big part of your teen’s life. It’s important for you as a parent to be aware of your teen’s digital life, and to work with him/her on setting boundaries, acting responsibly, and staying safe online.

 

 

Be open about online behaviour

  • Place computers in busy family areas like the kitchen.
  • Work with your child on how to behave safely online from a young age.
  • Teach your teen that anything they post online can be public, and it takes effort to make it private.
  • Talk casually to your teen about their online activity, so the topic becomes a regular part of your conversations.

 


Monitor activities regularly

Search your teen’s name using popular search engines, blogs, and social network platforms to see what comes up on their public record.

 

 

Unplug

  • Encourage teens to take breaks from devices once in a while.
  • Establish a family recharging station and keep devices out of bedrooms at night.

 

 

Mobile Applications

It is important to recognize that some Apps may not be suitable for children. Apps also have the potential to be used by adult offenders to take advantage of our young people. 

 

 

Safety messages to share with your teen

 

1. What happens online can have real consequences

  • Cyberbullying: Serious online harassment is an offence and can result in criminal charges.
  • Sexting: Sending sexual messages, images or videos can lead to serious consequences. Address any sexual videos/photos posted online immediately.
  • Criminal Code Offences apply to youth should they use the Internet in a negative way. (Child Pornography, Criminal Harassment, Luring a Child, Uttering Threats).

 

2. Treat online life like regular life

  • Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say to someone’s face.
  • Create, post, and share videos, images and content responsibly.
  • Monitor your online reputation carefully—it is public and will follow you for life.

 

3. Protect your privacy online

  • Avoid oversharing (revealing inappropriate details/images about your life).
  • Keep personal information private (e.g. your name, age, social insurance number, address).
  • Check and adjust privacy settings regularly.

 

 

Internet Safety Tips for Teens

 

Connecting with friends online and using social media tools can be fun. But keep these tips in mind to make smart choices can help keep yourself safe.  

 

1. What happens online can have real consequences

  • Cyberbullying and Sexting: Online harassment and ‘Sexting’ (sending explicit messages, images or videos) is a serious offence and can result in criminal charges.
  • Sex Talk Online: Don’t talk about sex online or share images you wouldn’t want the world to see.
  • Think Before you Share: It’s difficult to remove information once it’s shared. Even though a smartphone App may advertise what you send will ‘disappear’ in a few seconds, you can still take screen captures of that photo making it last forever.


2. What does your online reputation say about you?

Know what comes up if you Google yourself — your online reputation is public and will follow you for life. You can bet on future employers ‘Googling’ your name before hiring you.


3. Be socially responsible

  • Speak up and do the right thing. If you see something you don’t agree with, like cyberbullying, harassment or threats, tell a trusted adult for advice and/or help.
  • Treat online life like regular life; remember your values and beliefs. Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say to someone’s face

 

4. Protect your privacy online

  • Post wisely and keep personal details to a minimum.
  • Use privacy settings on social media sites to limit who can see your personal information.
  • Turn of location services. Share your location with only those you know and trust.
  • A stranger is a stranger. Only accept friend requests from people you know. You wouldn’t let a stranger into your house, so why open the door to them online to be your friend?
  • What if someone asks for my picture?
    Only share images you’d be okay with the world seeing. Once something has been shared, you can’t control where it will go next.

 

 

Online shopping

  • Online shopping is convenient and fun, but be careful about providing personal information.
  • When using online services such as PayPal and eBay, double check the web address to ensure you haven’t been directed to a phishing scam (a way of attempting to get sensitive information by disguising as a trustworthy source) and check for security features such as a security lock near the bottom of the web page.
  • If you are meeting with someone through a site such as Craigslist to purchase or sell an item, let an adult know so you can discuss safety issues.