CYBER SAFETY

Term cyber safety means

Internet safety, or online safety, is the knowledge of maximizing the user's personal safety and security risks to private information and property associated with using the internet, and the self-protection from computer crime in general.
As the number of internet users continues to grow worldwide, internet safety is a growing concern for both children and adults. Common concerns regarding safety on the internet include: malicious users (spam, phishing, cyber bullying, cyber stalking etc.), websites and software (malware, computer viruses, etc.) and various types of obscene or offensive content. Several crimes can be committed on the Internet such as stalking, identity theft and more.
Most social networking and chat sites have a page about safety. Numerous groups, governments and organizations have expressed concerns about the safety of children using the Internet. Safer Internet Day is celebrated worldwide in February to raise awareness about internet safety.

Here are some key messages around internet safety that I believe all students should be aware of.

• Always ask an adult if you’re unsure of anything when you are online.

  Don’t sign up for sites that are 13+ if you are not old enough (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram etc).

  Remember YAPPY (the personal information you should not share online) – Your full name, address, phone number, passwords, your plans. 

  Don’t add people as online friends unless you know them in real life or have parent permission. Never arrange to meet an online friend without talking to a parent.

        Remember that you cannot believe everything you read on the internet and you can’t trust everything online friends tell you  Talk to your parents about what you’re doing online and let them know when you’re going on the internet.

Know what cyber bullying is and tell someone if you think it’s happening to you. Cyber bullying is when someone picks on you, annoys, embarrasses, or threatens you over and over again using technology, such as the internet or a phone.

Protect your digital footprint: don’t put anything online that you wouldn’t want all your friends, family, teachers and future employers to see.

Treat others online the way you’d like to be treated.