Internet, Mobile Phones, and Texting Safety Tips for Kids

  1. Do not post personal information online (name, age, birth date, address, telephone number, or school name). This information can be used by others to find out where you and your family live.
  2. Do not post your picture or pictures of your family online — they can be copied or changed or used to find you.
  3. Do not send any inappropriate photo or message by email or text.
  4. Do not post your plans and activities in a chat room or on your personal website.
  5. Do not post entries that make it clear that no one is at your home.
  6. Do not communicate with someone who has made you uncomfortable or afraid. Tell your parents or a trusted adult if someone does.
  7. Do not join online groups or games without talking to your parents.
  8. Do not meet with someone you met online without first telling your parents or guardian.
  9. Do not post hurtful or inappropriate messages. If someone else posts hurtful or inappropriate messages — do not respond, but do tell a teacher, parent or other adult.
  10. Do not click on any link that you do not know, and you are not sure is legitimate.
  11. Do not buy any “apps” or “in app” purchases without talking to your parents or guardian.
  12. Do not enable any location services without talking to your parents or guardian.
  13. Do remember that people can lie online and say they are something they are not. Someone who says they are a 12-year-old girl could really be an older man looking to harm you.
  14. Do save messages that upset you and show them to your parents.
  15. Do share your password with your parents.
  16. Do visit www.netsmartz.orq to learn more about Internet safety.