Internet Safety

Phones, iPads, computers, they're all useful for communication, games, alarms and reminders. But when they are used for the wrong reasons, they can cause life and death matters.

It’s important to know how to use your electronics. Right and wrong, good and bad, safe and unsafe. No matter what type of electronic you have, it’s important.

For example, let’s say you had been secretly texting with a “so-called little girl” whose avatar is named Tricky Tiger. One day she says to meet her by the front entrance of your school. She knows where you go to school because you told her all your personal information.

When you show up this ‘Tricky Tiger’ also shows up, and she isn’t so girly! In fact, it could be a grown adult who may cause harm to you.

What we learned from this story is that people may say that they are friendly and aren’t scary, which can be true, but you should NEVER trust a “friend” unless you can see their face.

There's other ways in which the internet is unsafe. Some people will make up lies about something or someone to get people to click on it. The more people click, the more money the liars make. And the more money they get, the richer they become.

How is this dangerous you ask? Well, sometimes the liars will say their “information” is about one thing when really it is about another. Sometimes that other thing can be hurtful, inappropriate or just plain wrong! An example would be “Come see what Taylor Swift said about Beyonce at the Hilltop Bar last night!” If you click on this link, it won't take you to an article about Taylor Swift. Instead, it will redirect you to a shopping site or one that asks for your personal information. Even though it isn't true, bad people will do anything for lots and lots of money.

What are the restrictions on your internet access at home? Describe a situation where you have provided personal information on the internet. Why do children need to learn about internet safety?

~KittyKittyPineappleHat

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