Internet Safety Tips

* Never give out personal information to someone you meet online like your real name, address, telephone number or the school you attend.

* Don't open files attached to e-mails from someone you don't know. They could contain a computer virus or material that could make you feel uncomfortable.

* No one should ever ask you to keep secrets from your parents. If someone you meet online asks you to keep a secret from them, tell your parents right away.

* Remember . everything you write on the Internet is public and can be read by anyone online. If you want information to be kept private, then write it in your diary or journal - don't write it for the world to see. It could be read by the wrong people.

* Don't post any photos of yourself, friends or family online. Bad people can edit these with computer sofware and repost those pictures on inappropriate Internet sites.

* Cyberpals are strangers. Never agree to get together with someone you meet online. And make sure to tell your parents, teacher or trusted adult if someone asks you to meet.

. If you visit a Web site that requires you to provide personal information, ask your parents first. And ask your parents before buying anything online.

* Don't accept gifts, such as toys or money, from someone you meet online. The person may be trying to trick you into giving your personal information. Always tell your parents if someone you don't know offers you gifts.

* Remember . you can't see or hear the people you are talking to online, so it's easy for people to lie. Someone could say she is a "12-year-old-girl," but, in reality, is actually an older man.

* Never say anything online about someone that you wouldn't say to the person if she was sitting next to you. These are useless messages that hurt people's feelings.

* Avoid adults only Web sites. If you accidentally encounter one, leave the site immediately.

* See if your Internet Service Provider has a "friends" list that allows you to control who can visit your profile, site or blog. If so, allow only people you know and trust. If you don't use privacy features, anyone can see your info - including people with bad intentions.