Visit our 3 | | | website | | | 4
www.familyinternet.info or www.gaicac.us
Georgia cares about it's students and communities. The Georgia Cybersafety Initiative (GA CSI) and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force join together to encourage wise online choices.
Privacy and Security
Be aware of what can be found on the Internet about you or your family. It can take less than 2 minutes for someone to have your family name, address, and a map to your house if you only give out your phone number. Privacy is valuable and should be protected like your other valuables.
Don't jeopardize your computer or other device by downloading programs, music, files, or games or by using disks that are not checked for viruses. Protect your computer with firewalls, anti virus and anti spyware software.
Integrity and CyberEthics
If it is wrong or illegal to do in your natural life, it is wrong or illegal to do in cyberspace.
CYBERSAFETY
SUGGESTIONS
-
Only put persons you actually know on your buddy or friend list. If you have only met someone online, even if you've chatted or IM'd the cyberpal for weeks or months, you still do not know them and they may not be who they say they are.Cyberbullying and cyber harassment might be common, but sending a threat online or through text is a crime. Report incidences to the police if they are life threatening. If you are a victim of bullying or harassment, speak to an adult you trust. Some Internet providers and cell phone providers can block the bully from sending the message or switch your screen name or phone number.If you choose to forward an email, always cut the text out and put it in a new email. Also, when you email several persons at one time, email yourself in the "to" box, and then blind carbon copy everyone else. That way you are not sharing your friends' addresses with other people.Protect your privacy and the privacy of your family and friends. Any information that tells who you are, where you live, what you do or participate in, your birth date, social security number, your school name or your grade...anything personal...should be protected and not shared. The less known about you, the better.Choose a screen name that does not tell about you. Screen names like "TotalRecall" or "Sp0rtsRfun" do not reveal your age, sex, location or name. You have the advantage with a bland screen name - the only way others can find out more personal details is if you tell them.Do not send a photograph to someone you meet online. Look carefully at the pics you post on a website or profile - look at them from the viewers' perspective to see what you are telling them with the pic.Get a life OFFLINE . Computers are wonderful and will no doubt be an important part of your life from now on. But real time friends and activities are necessary for your health and well being.