The internet places information from all over the world in the palm of our hands. While we use the internet to enhance the education we can provide our students with, we must practice safe internet surfing skills. At our Elementary School, we call this being "responsible digital citizens". Check out these quick tips to ensure that you are protecting yourself and your information when browsing the web.
- Passwords: Do not share your password with anyone but your parents. When using a computer, make sure you log out of all accounts leaving.
- Bullying: It is never okay to bully another person. Do not send or respond to mean messages. Alert your parents if you receive an unkind message. If something happens online that makes you feel uncomfortable, talk to your parents or a teacher at our school.
- Photos: Do not post photos or videos online without getting your parents’ permission.
- Social Networking: Many social networking websites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) have minimum age requirements to sign up. Please adhere to the rules that are in place to protect you!
- Research: Talk to your librarian or teacher about safe and accurate websites for research. Our school library pages have lists of sources where you can find reliable information. If you use online information in a school project, make sure you explain where you got the information.
- Communication: Be careful when talking to others online. Not everyone is who they claim to be.
- Personal Information: Do not give out personal information without your parents’ permission. This means you should not share your last name, home address, school name, or telephone number. Just because someone asks for information about you does not mean you have to tell them anything about yourself.
- Downloads: Attachments, links, software, or other downloads can have viruses or other malicious software attached to them that can harm your computer or phone or steal your personal information. Never click a link or download anything from anyone you don’t know.
- Privacy: Understand that nothing is private. Even content you share via private messaging, text, Snapchat, or “disappearing” message tools can be discovered online. Don’t share anything online or on your mobile device that you wouldn’t be comfortable having made public.
- Posting in Permanent: Remember, when something is posted to the internet, it does not go away. Think twice before posting something you may regret later.