Internet Safety! Please read and sign if you are under 18!

Not mandatory but I want to talk about internet safety. I've noticed all around that you young whipper snappers are posting your full names or your MySpace page with you real name on it and pictures.

I just want to let you all know that the internet is a very big place and can be very scary. But, sometimes when you are on the web you feel safe because you are at home or school and you feel like nothing can happen to you. The sad thing is that it can happen to you.

I'm not trying to scare you but if you take some steps and are smart, you can make the web a fun place to hang out.

On the internet, never assume that because someone's profile says that they are only 12. Someone who says that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could really be an older man.  Also, never assume that the pictures or videos that you post are only for you and your friends. Anyone can save your picture or video to their computer. Pictures and videos on the web are never private so be careful what you put up on your MySpace, Facebook or YouTube.

Here are some more tips to keep you safe of the internet...

Kids' Rules for Online Safety

1. I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents’ work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parents’ permission.

2. I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.

3. I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my mother or father along.

4. I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents.

5. I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents right away so that they can contact the service provider.

6. I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.

7. I will not give out my Internet password to anyone (even my best friends) other than my parents.

8. I will check with my parents before downloading or installing software or doing anything that could possibly hurt our computer or jeopardize my family’s privacy

9. I will be a good online citizen and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.

10. I will help my parents understand how to have fun and learn things online and teach them things about the Internet, computers and other technology.

Ok, you are probably asking yourself why is this crazy lady telling me all this stuff. Well we on the Mod Team want to make this place as safe and fun as possible.

- If you ever get a message or post here that makes you feel uncomfortable please tell a Mod and your parents or someone else you trust.

- If you ever get a message asking you for pictures of yourself, please do not send your pictures! Tell a Mod and your parents or someone you trust.

- Be mindful of posting pictures of yourself or your real name on here. If I see your real name around here I and the other mods will either delete it or change it.

- Remember when posting links to your website, make sure your real name or pictures are not on the website.

If you have any questions or comments respond here or you are welcome to PM anyone in the mod team.

Thanks for reading this far and please, please be safe!