The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Office of the Attorney General

www.ago.state.ma.us

Tips for Students:

The Internet, when used safely, is an important and valuable part of your education.  However, it can also be dangerous. 

It is important to remember that anyone can post information on the Web -- no matter how inaccurate or dangerous those views might be.  Not everything posted online is true.  Always consider the source. 

It is dangerous to communicate with strangers on the Internet.  It is easy  for people with criminal intent to conceal their identity online. 

• Never give out identifying information, especially your password, full name, address, phone number, hometown, ethnicity, age, school name, or parents' names or work addresses.

• Never post pictures of yourself, family members, or friends on the Internet.

• Never agree to meet in person someone whom you have met online.

• Never open files sent by someone you have only met online.

• Never complete an online profile.

• Leave a chat room or do not respond to e-mail if someone starts asking personal questions.

• Be aware that an online survey, contest, or free product offer could be a scheme to get your personal information. 

• Remember that you do not have privacy online.

• Do not respond to e-mail if you do not know the sender.

• Do not open attachments when you do not know the sender.

• Do not respond to rude, threatening or harassing e-mail.

• Do not open e-mail with subjects you think sound inappropriate for your age.

Contact the police or a trusted adult if:

• You are threatened with harm.

• You are aware of any online threat to another.

• You are harassed online because of your race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

• You are asked to participate in any kind of sexual dialog or activity. 

Tips for Parents:

The Internet is an extraordinary resource that links our children to a world of information, experiences and ideas that might otherwise be unavailable to them.  The Internet can also expose our children to numerous risks, and it is crucial to remember that when a child is online, his or her safety may also be on the line.  The following basic safety rules pertain to all types of Internet applications. 

• Place your child's computer in an area where you are best able to monitor his or her online activities.
• Take an active interest in your child's online activities.
• Warn your child never to reveal any identifying information such as: last name, ethnicity, age, address, phone number, school name, parents' names, parents' employers or work addresses. 
• Caution your child that predators and con-artists are experts at accumulating incremental amounts of personal data until they eventually obtain enough information to locate a user.
• Warn your child that identity is easily concealed online and that people may not be who they claim to be.  Online "friends" my in fact be adults in search of a child victim.
• Warn your child never to arrange an in-person meeting with someone met online.
• Warn your child never to accept anything sent to him or her by a person met online.
• Warn your child never to post online a photo of any family member without your permission. 
• Consider using filtering or blocking software.  Be aware, however, that software may not be completely effective.

For more information about Internet Safety please go to the www.ago.state.ma.us .