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As an administrator of the Miracles In Progress Family Teen
Group, I am very concerned for the safety of our teens that visit our
site. Due to the outpour of bad
publicity on the TV of other internet sites, we here at Miracles In Progress Family Teen Group
would like to put in place for your reading and understanding basic rules for
your on-line safety.
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Basic Rules of On-line Safety for Teens
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Keep Your Identity
Private
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Never Get Together
With Someone You “Meet” Online
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Never Respond to
E-mail, Chat Comments, or Newsgroup Messages That Are Hostile, Belligerent,
Inappropriate, Or In Any Way Make You Feel Uncomfortable
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Talk with Your
Parents About Their Expectations and Ground Rules for Going Online
The most
important thing to remember is that when you’re online in any kind of a public
forum, you’re out in public and anyone can read whatever you post. You should
never post anything on the Internet that you wouldn’t want known to the public
at large. You should also remember that people you meet in cyberspace might not
be who they seem to be.
If
you’re in any type of public forum, avoid giving out your full name, your
mailing address, your telephone number, the name of your school, or any other
information that could help someone determine your actual identity. The
same applies to your family and friends. Never reveal anything about other
people that could possibly get them into trouble.
The
biggest danger to your safety is if you get together with someone you “meet”
online. Remember, you never know for certain if people you meet online are who
they say they are. If you do feel it’s appropriate to meet with someone, discuss
it with your parents and never go to the meeting by yourself. Arrange to meet
in a public place, like a coffee shop or mall that you (not just the other
person) are familiar and comfortable with, and never go alone. The safest
procedure is to have your parents talk with the parents of the other person and
for both of you to bring your parents along on the first meeting.
It
isn't your fault if you get a message that is mean or in any way makes you feel
uncomfortable. If you get such a message, don't respond. Instead, show it to
your parents or a trusted adult to see if there is anything you can do to make
it stop. Sending a response just encourages the person.
It's
important that you and your parents are on the same channel when it comes to
your online activities. This includes when you can go online, how long you can
stay online, and what activities you can do online. Communicating with
your parents doesn't mean that you have to give up your privacy. It just means
that you come to an agreement based on mutual trust and understanding. While
you're at it, perhaps you can help your parents better understand the Internet,
what it can be used for, and how it is helpful for teens.
Links
Family Teens Home Page
Family Teens
Message Board
Family Teens Meeting/Chat
Room