Navigating the Digital World Safely

The internet offers incredible learning opportunities, but it's essential for students, parents, and educators to understand how to stay safe online. This guide covers key aspects of online safety.

Protecting Personal Information

Understanding what information is sensitive and why it shouldn't be shared online is crucial.

• What Not to Share: Full name, address, phone number, school name, passwords, specific locations, or photos with identifying information.
• Privacy Settings: Regularly review and adjust privacy settings on apps and websites to limit who can see posts and personal data.
• Strong Passwords: Use complex, unique passwords for different accounts and avoid sharing them. Consider a password manager.
• Phishing Awareness: Learn to recognize suspicious emails, messages, or links asking for personal information.

Cyberbullying Awareness and Prevention

Recognizing, responding to, and preventing online harassment is vital for a positive digital experience.

• Definition: Understand what constitutes cyberbullying (sending mean messages, spreading rumors online, posting embarrassing photos/videos).
• What to Do: Don't respond, block the bully, save evidence (screenshots), and tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor).
• Being an Upstander: Encourage students to support targets of cyberbullying and report incidents rather than being bystanders.
• Digital Footprint: Remind students that what they post online can be permanent and impact others.

Responsible Online Behavior (Digital Citizenship)

Being a good digital citizen means interacting respectfully and ethically online.

• Respectful Communication: Treat others online as you would in person. Avoid arguments and offensive language.
• Copyright and Plagiarism: Understand the importance of citing sources and respecting intellectual property.
• Evaluating Information: Develop critical thinking skills to assess the reliability and accuracy of online content.
• Screen Time Balance: Encourage healthy habits regarding the amount of time spent online and on devices.

Resources for Help

• NetSmartz (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children): Offers resources for kids, teens, parents, and educators.
• Common Sense Media: Provides reviews and advice on media and technology for families.
• StopBullying.gov: Government resource with information on bullying and cyberbullying prevention.