Know the Dangers

The Internet is an amazing way to exchange information. On it there are libraries, universities, museums, places to have fun, and plenty of opportunities to meet wonderful people from all walks of life.

But, like any community, there are also some people and areas to stay away from and others you should learn more about before you visit.

Millions of teenagers go online every day, and most are safe. The way to stay safer is to understand the dangers and follow some simple rules to help you steer clear of trouble. By following these rules you’ll minimize the risks and have more fun.

On The Web

When you visit web sites you can read newspapers, tour museums, check out libraries, visit distant lands, play games, look at pictures, shop, or do research to help you with your homework. There are millions of web sites on just about every subject imaginable.

DID YOU KNOW

Some web sites are awesome, others are boring, and some contain so-called “adult” images and other material that can be dangerous for teens. Others are demeaning, racist, sexist, and violent or contain false information. Some of these sites contain stuff that can make people feel badly or even hurt people. If you end up in any of these areas, immediately leave by clicking on the Home icon, going to another site, or shutting down your browser.

CAUTION

Some web sites ask for information about you. The site may ask for your name, your mailing address, your E-mail address, and other information before letting you in. It may ask you to provide information in exchange for sending you a gift or entering your name in a contest. Never enter any information about yourself without first checking with your parents or guardians.

When you enter information on a web site or any place on the Internet, you’re giving up some of your privacy. Your name may wind up in some database, probably to be used to sell you something now or later. Or it may be used to try to harm or take advantage of you.

Just because a web site seems to be OK doesn’t mean it necessarily is what it seems to be. Anyone — including creeps and criminals — can set up their own web site.

If you download anything from a web site, be extra careful. Some web sites ask your permission to download a program or “plug-in.” In some cases these programs can be used to display annoying advertising on your computer. Even worse, they can invade your privacy by tracking what you’re doing online. They can also plant viruses or increase your risk of a “hacker attack.” Don’t download anything unless you’re certain it is from a trustworthy source.

Some teenagers have their own web sites or post information on web sites run by the school they go to or an organization they belong to. That’s terrific, but if you do post something on the web, be sure to never include your home address, telephone number, school name, or photograph. If you do want people to be able to contact you online, just give a nondescript E-mail address, but make sure you have your parents’ or guardians’ permission first.

Chatrooms

Chatrooms let you have a conversation with people around the block or around the world. It’s like being on a party line, only you type instead of talk. Everyone in the “chatroom” can see everything you type.

Types of chatrooms tend to be different. Some chatrooms are just open conversations where everyone has an equal role. Some rooms are moderated where a “speaker” leads the chat and tries to keep everything in order. Some rooms have chaperons or monitors who try to make sure things don’t get out of hand and can kick people out of the room if they don’t behave. Even so, in some of these rooms what you type is seen right away by everyone. And the monitor can’t prevent you from going off to a private chat area with a person who may want to hurt you or type information that may put you in danger.

DID YOU KNOW

A chatroom is probably the most dangerous area on the Internet. You never know who is in one, so never type anything you wouldn’t say in public.

It’s not uncommon for people to meet in chatrooms. You enter a room; start chatting with someone; and, before you know it, you’re having a conversation. That relationship may turn out OK, but there are some not-so-happy stories. Chatrooms are sometimes used by people to take advantage of others. To put it bluntly, chatrooms — especially those used by teenagers — are sometimes also used by child molesters to find victims. Adults or even older teens seeking to exploit younger people don’t necessarily tell the truth about who they are. Even teens your own age may try to hurt you. You have the right to remain in control of your own experiences. You don’t have to accept inappropriate behavior from anyone. You may meet people in a room who seem to have a lot in common with you. They may be friendly and good listeners too. If the dialog remains strictly online, that may be OK. Just be careful not to give out any personal information.

CAUTION

You may want to get together with someone you meet in a chatroom, but remember – people are not always who they seem to be.

Never give out personal information and never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you first “meet” in a chatroom unless your parents or guardians have said it’s OK. Even then you need to follow the precautions in “Do Not Meet in Person.”

Stay away from chatrooms that get into subjects associated with sex or cults or groups that do potentially dangerous things. It may seem interesting or fun, but some people may take you seriously or try to convince you to do something you don’t want to do. Be particularly suspicious of anyone who tries to turn you against your parents, guardians, teachers, or friends.

On some services and web sites you can enter into a private chat area. Once there you can arrange to meet people. In some cases those rooms are truly private, but in other cases they may be listed in a directory of rooms. If so, there is nothing to stop others from entering those rooms. So be extra careful in these rooms, or avoid them altogether.

A smart way to avoid harassment in a chatroom is to choose a name that doesn’t let people know if you’re a girl or guy. Just make sure the name doesn’t let anyone know anything about you or mean something that may encourage others to bother you.

Instant Messaging

Instant messaging (IM) is an easy way to stay in touch without having to wait for an E-mail response. You type a message and click “send.” That message instantly appears on another person’s screen wherever he or she happens to be. You can exchange instant messages on computers and cell phones or between computers and cell phones or any other Internet-connected devices.

As great as it is, IM can be dangerous. Like chatrooms, you need to be careful about whom you IM with and what you type. Never give out any personal information in an instant message unless you are 100 percent sure of who is receiving the IM and your parents or guardians have given you permission to do so. Some instant message services make it possible to exchange messages with several people at once — just like a chatroom. So make sure you know everyone on your IM list.

DID YOU KNOW

Some instant messaging software can be used to send your picture — in real time — along with your words. Be careful about your privacy and protecting it. Remember, don’t send anyone your photograph online.

Some services encourage you to post a “profile” with information such as your age, sex, hobbies, and interests. These profiles can help you meet similar people, but they can also make you the subject of harassment, even if you don’t post your name and address or other information. If you don’t have a public profile, you’ll be safer and avoid a lot of hassles.

CAUTION

Be sure you know who is receiving the IMs you send. Even if you do know the recipients, anything you type can be forwarded to other people. There is no way to “take back” something once you send it. Be careful about using video or digital cameras and sending images of yourself during an IM session. Remember, you don’t have to respond to any messages especially if they are rude, annoying, or make you feel uncomfortable.

E-mail

E-mail is just like regular mail. In this case you write to someone electronically, and the person can respond to your message electronically.

DID YOU KNOW

People and companies use E-mail to send messages to thousands of people at a time, encouraging them to buy something or visit a web site. The process, known as “spamming,” can be intrusive and annoying. Some use spamming to try to entice people to visit sexually explicit web sites.

Each E-mail message you send and receive contains a return address. Many people don’t realize the return address can be fake. So, just because you get a message from “grandma@cottage.com” doesn’t mean it’s really from grandma. It may really be from wolf@bigfangs.com.

E-mail also contains a “header.” Headers provide more information about who sent the message and where it came from. Understanding the header information can be difficult, but if you ever receive an E-mail message that doesn’t make sense; is threatening; or contains things that make you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused, you should report it to your Internet service provider and ask them to investigate where it came from. You can easily find that address on the service’s main web page (www.servicename.com). When in doubt report the message to webmaster@servicename.com (substitute the name of your service for “servicename.”)

If you think any information you receive is illegal, you should report it to the CyberTipline® at www.cybertipline.com or call 1-800-843-5678. Illegal material includes threats to your life or safety, threats to others, pornographic images of children, and evidence of other crimes. NCMEC will refer this report to the appropriate law-enforcement agency.

CAUTION

Be careful about replying to E-mail from people you don’t know. Remember, the sender may not be who he or she seems to be. By replying you are verifying a valid E-mail address to the sender, and that information can be used to encourage a person who may send inappropriate messages or put you on even more E-mail lists. Never send a photograph of yourself or any personal information to someone you don’t know.

E-mail can easily be copied and forwarded to others. So if you do send personal information to friends, be sure they will respect your privacy.

Peer-to-Peer Services

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems let you exchange files without a web site or other centralized system. The most famous of these services are used to share music files. There are plenty of other P2P systems. Some allow you to exchange other types of files including video, photographs, text documents, and software.

Aside from the legal and ethical issues regarding the unauthorized sharing of copyrighted material, there are some serious safety issues regarding these services. Some of the downloaded files — including photographs and videos — may be upsetting or harmful. It’s also a popular way for child molesters to exchange illegal images of children.

P2P file-sharing systems encourage users who download files to upload them as well. This may turn your PC into a server that shares your files, which can place you in legal trouble or possibly allow others to gain access to personal stuff on your computer. It’s like giving someone you don’t know the opportunity to know everything about you. It can also cause problems for other computers if you’re on a business, home, or school network.

DID YOU KNOW

Another problem with file-sharing services is the software used to access them can sometimes come with unwelcome extra “features” such as “spy ware” programs that can invade your privacy and display annoying advertising.

CAUTION

If you use a file-sharing service, be careful about what “permissions” you give when you set it up. Avoid sharing your own files and say no to any offers to install extra software. Even then, there is no guarantee you will not experience problems as a result of having the software on your computer.

Newsgroups, Forums, and Bulletin Boards

Newsgroups, sometimes called bulletin boards or forums, are places where you can read and post messages or download or upload files. Unlike chatrooms, newsgroups are not live or “real time.” If you post a message it remains on the newsgroup for people to look at later. In newsgroups you can also post files including computer programs, illustrations, pictures, and stories.

DID YOU KNOW

There are newsgroups on almost every possible subject. Normally they are used as ways to get questions answered and share information about hobbies, musical groups, or any other subject of interest. Unfortunately, newsgroups, like other areas of the Internet, have risks.

CAUTION

The biggest risk is in revealing information about yourself. Whenever you post, in most cases, your words are available for anyone to see, even if you are responding to a particular individual’s posting. Remember the basic rules, and never reveal identifying information about yourself.

And posting something usually makes your E-mail address available to the public. Thus, even if you don’t say anything personal, your address will be available for people who may send you “junk” or inappropriate E-mails.

Some newsgroups contain sexually explicit illustrations, photographs, and stories. Some of this material may be illegal especially if it contains images of people who are younger than the age of 18 or certain other material that has been defined as “obscene.” This can be upsetting and uncomfortable to view. It should be avoided.

Situations to avoid

You have to be careful to avoid physical and other dangers on the Internet.

There are chatrooms, newsgroups, web sites, and other places online containing things that may make you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. It may be sexual and/or violent in nature. It may be hateful, repulsive, or unpleasant. It really doesn’t matter what it is. What matters is you have the right — and the tools — to leave any area where you feel you shouldn’t be.

Physical Danger

The most serious risk you can face involves the possibility of someone using information posted about you — or information about where you go online — to hurt you. The number of teens who are molested, abducted, or leave home as a result of contacts made on the Internet are relatively low, but when it happens the results can be tragic.

Online enticement of children for sexual acts is a serious offense. If you are approached in this way, immediately report it to the CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678.

Be especially wary of any “get rich quick” schemes. These can promise to help earn you lots of money in your spare time, offer to help you lose weight quickly, or promise to enhance your appearance. If something sounds “too good to be true,” it probably is. Participating puts you at risk of giving up your privacy and your family’s financial security.

Harassment and bullying

When you’re online, especially in bulletin boards or chatrooms, you may get messages that are mean or hurtful. Don’t take it personally. Sometimes even people who are nice in the “real” world can forget their manners when online. What’s the best thing to do if you encounter such messages or people who send them? Ignore them. If someone sends you messages or images that are indecent, lewd, or obscene with the intent to abuse, annoy, harass, or threaten you, report it. Tell your Internet service provider and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. You should also report it to school authorities if the incident took place at school or involved other students from your school.

Hurting others

Avoid anything that may hurt or offend people. Don’t risk getting into trouble. You need to respect other people’s privacy, so don’t do anything to annoy, harass, or hurt other people. You are responsible for your behavior online.

Sources:

the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.com

Phone: 1-800-843-5678