Scout Basics of Online Safety

Don’t give out your phone number or address to someone you don’t know in person if someone you don’t know off line asks for your phone number or address tell your parents.
Never meet with someone you met on line with out a parent
Don’t give out credit card or financial information with out your parents permission – if you do purchase something online make sure the web site is using https:// as the start of the URL.
If someone is saying something to you that scares you tell to your parents and keep the text/IM or email.
If someone sends you inappropriate material tell your parents
Don’t buy things from sites you don’t know. Some are just looking for credit card/identity information. May never deliver. Make sure they have contact information on their web site. Contact them if you are concerned before purchasing.
If something looks to good to be true it most likely is ie – Free iPad for filling out a survey
Know how to block people in chat rooms/IM/Networking sights
Don’t open emails from unknown sources and especially don’t open up the attachements – these can get you sent more spam, launch viruses or install spy ware that can harm your computer or threaten your privacy
Download software only with your parents permission and only from sites you trust.

Remember anything you post can be forwarded or shared. If you don’t want someone else to see it don’t send it.
Don’t post/send something you wouldn’t want your parents to read – your future college entrance or job could depend on it.
Don’t tease, taunt or harass people on line. This can be seen as bullying.
Don’t respond to rude posts or comments – you may say something you regret or can be used against you.
Keep your passwords safe.

Talk to your kids about your expectations for their online behavior. Make sure they know what is considered dangerous and why.
Keep your computers/tablets in a public space – this is easier to monitor on line activities
Set Rules and back them up – basics include when they can use them, what content they can view or post and who they can communicate with.
Know how to check the media your children are using, Phone texts, browser history, facebook sites etc.
Make it an expectation that you will check their surfing, texting, facebook and other online communications. Do it.
Make being a friend on facebook a condition of use. Make sure they don’t add you to a group that only sees part of their posts.
Use monitoring software/services if you think you need help in monitoring/filtering content. Many are available on line.
Keep computers/devices with web cams in public areas of the home and monitor when and how they are used.

Netsmartz – Partners with BSA around online saftey.
WiredKids
NetBullies
Identity Theft tips
Texas statutes
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/docs/pe/htm/pe.33.htm
NetLingo – Text messaging translator
NoSlang – Text messaging translator
CyberTipLine – If you feel your child is in danger, make a report to www.cybertipline.comand contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.