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If you're uncomfortable at any time, disconnect!
Hit the back button on your browser, go to a different Palace or leave
the chat room. |
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Don't give out your real name, your address, your phone
number or anything else that is personal. The person you're
talking to may not be what they appear to be.
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Don't share pictures of yourself, your family or your
home without your parents permission. |
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Never respond to chat messages or e-mail that is mean
or makes you uncomfortable. Responding only encourages the
person. |
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Never say anything online that you wouldn't say in
public. It IS public!! Remember that nothing you type on the web
is completely private - - even e-mail. |
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Never give out any of your passwords to anyone but
adult members of your own family. Your Internet provider will
never ask for them, neither should anyone else! It's a good idea
to change your passwords frequently. |
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NEVER
EVER make plans to meet with someone that you've met online in
real life without your parents permission. This is the biggest
danger you'll face on the Internet.
The best
thing to do is have your parents speak with the other person's
parents and make arrangements to meet in a public place. Be sure
to take your parents along on the first visit.
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To
avoid misunderstandings, learn to use "emoticons" and acronyms
when you chat or write e-mail.
At times
people can't tell if you're kidding, being mean, or really upset
when all the have to go on is your words. Adding these
little extras can avoid hurt feelings and fighting online.
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Never type in all capital letters. In e-mail and chat
programs it is considered shouting and can easily start arguments
with others. |
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Remember that what you say and do online can also
jeopardize your family's privacy. Be very careful about giving out
personal family information or filling out forms on the web. Check
with your parents first! |
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So far the tips have been to protect YOU. Please don't
forget that it is wrong and ILLEGAL to threaten, or harass other
people in person, by mail or online. Don't get into trouble by
engaging in this sort of behavior yourself.
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Get your parents involved. Even if they've used the
Internet, you're bound to know things about it that they don't.
Show them your favorite places on the net and what you do online.
It can help them get more out of their online time. If they're
involved from the start, they'll be their for you if you run into
trouble.
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