Talking with Tara, Protecting Yourself Online - Big Y® World Class Market®

Talking with Tara

The Internet is an exciting and interesting place for kids to explore. Kids can uncover information about any area of interest, from astronomy to zoology. With just a click of the mouse, the Internet makes it possible to quickly research topics discussed
at school, discover the latest information on a favorite musical artist or chat with a friend through email or other “friending” Web sites. Yet, with all these opportunities, smart Internet users are also aware of the safety concerns. Just as your parents would never allow you to wander around a strange area unsupervised, it is unwise to wander around the Internet without some sort of parental rules and supervision. Here are some simple rules and regulations to stay safe on the Internet:

1) NEVER Reveal Any Personal Information on the Internet.
Your address, telephone number, your parents’ names, the city you live in, the school you attend or even pictures of you and your friends. You would never tell that information to a stranger, and people you meet online are strangers to you.

2) Do Not Give Out Your Internet Password to Anyone
(even your best friend).
You might read a message that will try to persuade you to reveal your password. Don’t let it fool you. People are not always who they say they are. The only people that really need your password are your parents and they need it to keep you safe.

3) If you receive any messages that ask too many questions, make you uncomfortable or scared, or are too full of compliments, tell your mom or dad. They will be proud of you for letting them know that a stranger is trying to be too friendly, mean without a reason, or acting in a way that is not appropriate. It is not your fault.

4) Sometimes while searching for information on one subject, you find information that is uncomfortable or upsetting. If that happens to you, log off, press the backward arrow key, or tell your parents. Then your mom or dad will help you understand how best to avoid this from happening to you again.

The Internet is a wonderful tool. It is a fun way to learn new things and explore new ideas. However, the Internet can also be a dangerous place for kids, so follow these guidelines and stay safe.

BOARD OF ADVISORS
LISA MASTROIANNI, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.
Department of Food and Nutrition
Yale-New Haven Hospital
New Haven, CT

ELAINE PETROSKY, R.N.C., M.S.
Department of Eating Disorders
Institute of Living
Hartford, CT

MARY JULESON-SCOPINO
Foods Educator
East Hartford High School
East Hartford, CT