Hang Ten Tips for Online Safety

1. If you are under the age of 13, you should not have a Facebook account. If you do have a Facebook or other social networking account, never accept a friend request if you do not actually know the person. Your privacy settings mean nothing if you let strangers be your friends.

2. Do not post anything on the internet you would not want your parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, or employers to see. Once it is out there, you can never take it back.

3. Do not give out your personal information - ever! There is never a need to pulicly post your address, phone number, or other identification numbers. These types of information can help criminals steal your identity or lead them to your location.

4. Avoid gossip. Everyone is bound to get excited by those oh-so-dramatic middle school scandals, but you don't have to text or post the latest rumor for everyone you know to see. Half of the time, these things are not true anyways and before you know it, you could be the subject of these rumors. Just stay out of the drama!

5. Be wary of links you come across on Facebook posts, e-mails or websites. These can often lead to spyware, viruses, or phishing scandals that can harm you and your computer. If you do not know who sent the link or if the website is not credible, don't click. Remember,  curiosity killed the cat.

6. If somebody says something to you, sends you something, or you see something that makes you uncomfortable, don't look around or explore. Get your parents or a trusted adult instead -- they know what to do. Speak up if anything makes you feel sad, scared, or confused. 

7. Always follow your school and family's rules for the internet -- they're there to make sure you have fun, learn and stay safe online.

8. Never arrange to meet someone you met online and do not actually know in person. Even if they have sent you pictures and it seems like no big deal, the person could just as easily be 20 years older and out to harm you.

9. Never respond to any kind of message asking for a password, social security number, account number, or other personal information. No credible company would ever ask you for this information in an e-mail or message.

10. Committing harm, intimidation or threats online (just like in person) is now a felony that carries a sentence of 2 to 10 years in jail. Cyber-bullying ruins lives, causes tremendous hurt and fear, and sometimes even ends in death. Be the bigger person by standing above the drama and don't be afraid or embarrassed to seek help when you or someone is the victim of any kind of bullying.