Internet Safety

There are some very important things that you need to keep in mind when you're on your computer at home.

First, remember never to give out personal information such as your name, home address, school name, or telephone number in a chat room or on bulletin boards. Also, never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with on the computer without your parent's permission.

Never write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared.

Do not meet someone or have them visit you without the permission of your parents.

Tell your parents right away if you read anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Remember that people online may not be who they say they are. Someone who says that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could really be an older man.

To read more about new privacy rules, visit the Federal Trade Commission's Web site at http://www.fbi.gov/cgi-bin/outside.cgi?http://www.ftc.gov/. There is a special section just for kids.

There is a publication for parents to read for more information.