{ Don't Forget Internet Safety! }

Surfing the Internet can be a little bit like taking a roller coaster. It can be great fun and exciting, but there are some places that can be scary, too!

The best way to enjoy the Internet safely is to stick to the positive stuff (like this site!), act responsibly, and remember these SMART rules!

S Keep personal details SECRET. Always keep your name, address, and
password private. It's like giving out the keys to your home!

M If you want to MEET someone you have contacted in Cyberspace, ask your parent's/carer's permission, and then do so only when the family member can be present.

A ACCEPTING e-mails or open files from people or organisations you don't really know or trust is not a good idea. They may contain viruses or inappropriate messages.

R REALITY CHECK People online may not be who they say they are. If you feel uncomfortable or worried in a chat room, simply get out of there!

T TELL your parent or carer if someone or something makes you feel
uncomfortable or worried.

On the sites below you can find further detailed information about safety on the Internet.

Safekids.com and Safeteens.com
Really comprehensive site with articles, tips, interviews, and a quiz on online safety.
www.safekids.com and www.safeteens.com

Childnet International
Childnet runs a great awards programme for children and has a directory of over 50 great sites which are safe for children called Launchsite. There is also good advice for parents and information on hotlines -- groups set up to report the really nasty stuff.
www.childnet-int.org
www.launchsite.org
www.netaware.org

Get Net Wise
Getnetwise is a site which challenges parents is to educate themselves and their children about how to use the Internet safely. It has lots of excellent material on how to keep safe and enjoy the best of the Internet. www.getnetwise.org