Internet Safety
Remember: when online you're in a public forum and anyone can read whatever you post.
FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS
Keep Your Identity Private: Avoid giving your full name, address, town, cell phone number, school, or any other information that could help someone learn your identity.
Do not communicate with strangers: Either on your MySpace, blog or other website communications.
Do not believe everything that you read online: It is easy to give false information or pretend to be someone else online.
Use great caution when meeting someone you have "cyber-dated": Be sure to tell a parent or trusted adult about your plans and meet in a public location. You may also want to bring an adult with you.
Never respond to E-Mail, Chat Comments, or Newsgroup Messages that are belligerent, sexual, or in any way make you feel uncomfortable: Tell a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult if you feel uncomfortable about anything you see on the Internet.
Never post location of your party on cyberspace sites: You are inviting party crashers who are strangers into your home making you vulnerable to rape and stalking.
FOR ADULTS
Do not rely on a dating service to keep you safe: They may not complete a background check. You may be communicating with a registered sex offender.
Do not believe everything that you read online: It is easy to give false information or pretend to be someone else online.
Use a free e-mail account to keep your identity safe: Your e-mail account may be traced back to you and put you in danger.
Do not post your identity in your profile: Someone may use the information to locate you and stalk or attack you, especially if you have declined their advances.
Use great caution when meeting someone you have "cyber-dated": Be sure to tell trusted friend about your plans and meet in a public location. You may also want to bring a friend with you on the first date. AND do not drink in excess; it is important to stay alert at all times.
Never leave your drink unattended and only take a drink from bartender or waitress: Date-rape drugs are often odorless and tasteless but can leave you vulnerable to an sexual assault without any memory of the attack.
Keep a record of your communication with people you "cyber-date." If you need to prosecute a crime of stalking or sexual assault, it can become evidence.
Contact the Cyber Tipline at www.cybertipline.com or 1-800-343-5678, if you receive any inappropriate or uncomfortable solicitations online.