Internet Safety

In about 1 page describe your opinions about internet safety, what changes, if any, you will make about how to use the internet. How does this apply to teens or the students you would teach? Also, tell about the internet safety lesson you gave – who you taught, highlights, etc.

I enjoyed this topic a lot in class. Then I went to isafe, and in order to view the modules you had to create an account. It asked for full name, phone number, email address, and address, which I thought was weird. If the site is about internet safety, why would they have you break all the rules? I created an account (with fake information), but after watching 30 minutes' worth of sales pitches, I gave up on the site.

I ended up watching a few videos and viewing other sites about internet safety, and they basically reiterated what was said in class. It is hard to keep from putting your information on the internet; I am pretty careful about what I post to the internet, but sites like Facebook make you feel secure. You're just sharing with your friends, right? Wrong. What's even worse is that teens don't even know about potential dangers.

I talked to my little sister about internet safety. I asked her what she thought it meant, and she didn't know. I asked her about identity theft, and she didn't know anything about it. I asked her about crazy online stalkers, and she didn't even know what I was talking about. That was scary. That is why so many teens just put WHATEVER on the internet -- they don't understand the implications. They don't understand how easy it is for someone to find their information and use it against them. I didn't realize I would have to start from scratch teaching my sister how to protect herself online, but I did. Sheesh.

Here are the basics: don't put your full name out there. Don't put your phone number or address. Don't even put your email if it is connected to something that might have your personal information. Never assume that any information you put online is secure. Photos, videos, financial and personal information. All of it, once it's put out there, stays out there.