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Using Devices Safely

The Internet provides many opportunities for education and entertainment, but also some dangers. If you develop safe habits, follow safety rules, and understand the dangers, you’ll be better able to keep yourself safe online.

Develop Safe Habits

These important practices can help protect you.

• Log out when you leave. Many programs and apps have you sign in. That lets them remember details to help you work or play. When you leave the program, always sign out. Then someone else can’t see your details, change your files, or pretend to be you.
• Use safe passwords. You wouldn’t set your locker or bicycle lock to “1-2-3.” If your computer password is easy to guess, it isn’t safe either. Choose a mix of letters, numbers, and punctuation you can remember. If your cat’s name is Sheila, a good password could be 5h3i!a.
• Keep private details private. Never post your photos, phone number, address, or other private information where strangers can see them.
• Don’t fall for tricks. A pop-up message on a webpage might say your software is out of date. An email might claim you have won something. A quiz for fun might ask your cat’s name (to guess your password). Don’t fall for these tricks.
• Don’t interact with strangers. Never click links or open attachments from someone you don’t know.
• Never agree to meet someone you met online. Interact with people you know and trust.
• Report cyberbullying. If someone threatens or bullies you online, report the situation to a trusted adult. Likewise, always treat others with respect in your online interactions.