� Cyber-safety For Adolescents

Adolescents have numerous opportunities to access the Internet, at home, at school, a

friend’s house, libraries, museums, etc. By knowing the dangers and how to avoid them,

they can take advantage of all the positive aspects of the Internet while bypassing most of

its pitfalls.

Teenagers are more likely to get into trouble on the Internet than are younger children.

Teens are more likely to explore obscure locations in cyberspace and possibly be preyed

upon by pedophiles and other exploiters.

_ What Are the Risks?

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− Exposure to Inappropriate Material. There are web sites, newsgroups and chat

rooms online that provide exposure to material that is sexual and/or violent in

nature, that espouse hateful attitudes or discuss activities that are repulsive or

unpleasant.

− Physical Danger. The possibility exists that the teenager or adolescent may

experience physical danger because of information they post about themselves on

the Internet. While the number of teens who are molested, abducted or leave

home as a result of contacts made on the Internet are relatively low, when it

happens the results can be tragic.

− Exposure To Financial Risk. Teens may become the victims of “get rich quick”

schemes on the Internet.

− Harassment. Adolescents using the Internet may encounter material, especially

in chat rooms or bulletin boards, that can be harassing, demeaning, abusive,

obscene, lewd or indecent.

_ Recommendations For Teens

− Keep Your Identity Private. Particularly in chat rooms and bulletin boards,

avoid giving out your full name, mailing address, telephone number, name of

your school or any other information that could help someone determine your

actual identity.

− Do Not Get Together With People You Meet Online. There is never a

guarantee that someone you meet online is who they say they are. If you fell it is

appropriate to have an actual meeting with someone you have corresponded with

online, discuss the matter with your parents and do not go to the meeting by

yourself. Meet the person in a public place, preferably with a parent or other adult

present.

Never send a photograph of yourself or any personal information to someone you

don’t know.

− Never Respond To Inappropriate E-Mail, Chat Comments Or Newsgroup

Messages. If a message is hostile, belligerent, aggressive or in any way makes

you feel uncomfortable, don’t respond to it. Tell your parents or a trusted adult.

− Talk To Your Parents about Ground Rules. Teens and their parents need to

agree upon the ground rules for Internet use. Communicating before a problem

possibly occurs is usually beneficial to all involved.

_ Recommendations For Parents

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− Communicate With Your Teens. Talk with your teens and try to establish

reasonable expectations. Attempt to understand their needs, interests and

curiosity.

− Encourage Your Teens To Come To You If They Encounter A Problem On

The Internet. Be open with your teenagers and do not automatically blame them

or take away their Internet privileges if they encounter a problem. Work with

them to avoid similar problems in the future.

− Learn About The Internet. Even if you don’t use the Internet, you need to be

knowledgeable about it if your children do. Make “surfing the net” a family

experience. Allow your children to teach you what they know about the Internet.

− Check Out Blocking, Filtering And Ratings. There are services that rate web

sites for content as well as filter programs. Parents can also block types of sites

they consider to be inappropriate. If you choose to block or filter a site(s), explain

to your children why you feel it is necessary to do.