Source: Kathleenamorris.com
- TALK: Talk to your parents about what you’re doing online and let them know when you’re going on the internet. Always ask a trusted adult if you’re unsure of anything when you are online.
- CHECK LAWS: Check before using images or work from others online as they are probably protected by copyright. Understand that there are many sites that require users to be at least 13+ before registering for an account (Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram etc).
- PRIVACY: Keep your personal information private. Remember YAPPY (the personal information you should not share online) – Your full name, Address, Phone number, Passwords, Your plans. Don’t publish this information or provide it in response to questions in emails or chat rooms etc.
- FRIENDS: Don’t add people as online friends unless you know them in real life or have parent permission. Never arrange to meet an online friend without talking to a parent. Remember that you can’t trust everything online friends tell you.
- REPUTATION: Protect your digital footprint and don’t publish anything online that you wouldn’t want all your friends, family, teachers and future employers to see.
- UNPLUG: Life is all about balance. It’s not good for our health and wellbeing to be online all the time. Balance screen time with green time. Get outdoors, move and interact face-to-face.
- QUESTION: Remember that you cannot believe everything you read or see online. When you come across information, question who wrote the message and why it was created.
- PASSWORDS AND USERNAMES: Choose sensible names for usernames or email addresses, and think before using your real name. Protect your accounts with strong passphrases and don’t share them with others.
- CYBERBULLYING: Know what cyberbullying is and tell someone if you think it’s happening to you or others. Cyberbullying is when someone picks on you, annoys, embarrasses, or threatens you repeatedly using technology, such as the internet or a phone.
- MANNERS: Be polite and respectful online just as you would be in real life. Treat others the way you’d like to be treated.