OnlineSafety


 * [|Internet Safety Tips for Parents] (external link)
 * [|Chat Danger]: a site all about the potential dangers on interactive services online like chat, IM, online games, email and on mobiles. Click on the icons below to read TRUE STORIES and find out how to chat SAFELY... (external link)
 * [|Netiquette Resources] (external link)

Always follow the rules below to increase your online safety:
 * 1) Never give out personal information--such as your full name (first names only are best), home phone number or home address.
 * 2) Be cautious about email messages from anyone, asking you for detailed personal information or attempting to arrange secret meetings. Talk with your teacher immediately if this kind of situation arises.
 * 3) Give credit in your bibliography to anyone whose work you use. Never use other people's work and call it your own. In other words, don't cut, copy, or plagiarize Internet content!
 * 4) Be forgiving of other user's mistakes online; you were once (or maybe you still are) an Internet newbie, too!
 * 5) Treat other online users as you would like to be treated. Treat school computers like you'd treat your own--with respect.
 * 6) Know where you are in cyberspace; what may be allowed in one newsgroup or mailing list may be unwelcome in another.
 * 7) Lurk before you leap; read what others have written before you post your comments--both in newsgroups and mailing lists.
 * 8) Share your knowledge with others; when you learn something new, pass it along to someone else who can benefit.
 * 9) While online, stay focused on the topic you're researching. The Internet is an excellent educational resource--use it responsibly.
 * 10) Ask for help from your teacher or library media specialist, if you're having problems. Write down any error messages that appear when you try to do something.
 * 11) Carefully proofread your email messages before you send them, just like you would a regular letter. Use good form, spelling and grammar.
 * 12) Never use a computer to harm other people. Never snoop around in other people's files. Never use a computer to steal.
 * 13) Never use or copy licensed software for which you have not paid. Never use other people's computer resources without authorization.
 * 14) Email is NOT private. Never say anything via email that you wouldn't mind seeing on the school bulletin board, or in the local newspaper.
 * 15) Capital letters are regarded as "SHOUTING." Be careful with them. Don't publicly criticize (or "flame") others. Don't be offensive, and don't ever use bad language.
 * 16) Make your subject line as descriptive as possible. Always sign your email with your first name only and say where you are from if you are making a new contact.

These "Rules of Netiquette" were copied virtually word for word from the following publication: John, El Paso, TX Internet Driver's License: Internet Guide and Workbook,Classroom Connect: Lancaster, 1997.