Safe Use of the Web
Safe use of the web or internet, what does that mean and why is it important to you?
There a couple of things as an web/internet user we need to be aware of;
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Social, Smart Secure, Tips for Staying Safe Online by IBM Social Media
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Privacy
Keeping our personal details private is about keeping us safe on the internet. Here are some ways we can keep safe while using the internet;
Identity Theft What is Identity theft? When your personal information is stolen online and then used to steal your money, open bank accounts, credit cards and loans in your name, pretend to be you online and other illegal activities in your name. There are a few ways criminals can steal your personal information from the internet;
What are phishing, keylogging, trojans and spy-bots or spyware? As described from eHow Cyber Identity Theft;
The best way to keep you identity safe is;
If you think you have been a victim of identity theft please contact the local police on 131 4444 or go to SCAMwatch (the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) via The SCAMwatch Report a Scam online form (opens in new window). Also report it to your bank immediately.
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Cyber-bullying
What is cyber-bullying? When a person or group of people sends an individual horrible and hurtful messages, images and videos, saying nasty comments and gossiping about that individual. Also excluding the individual online saying and sending abusive, threatening texts, messages and emails to scare the individual because it makes them feel powerful. Sometimes people cyberbully to look cool it front of their 'friends', they have low self esteem and they can feel peer pressured by their 'friends' to fit in. (Delete Cyberbullying, 2011). Not realising what damage and hurt they are actually causing to the cyberbullied individual. What do you do if you are being cyberbullied?
Do not put up with Cyberbullying. No one deserves to be treated badly. You can also get help and advice from Kids Helpline 24/7 on 1800 55 1800 or use their web or email counselling services.
Trolling
What is Trolling? It is when a person using the internet purposefully misuses public forms and social networking sites to cause harm to other individuals or groups, usually via nasty comments. Some people think that because you cannot see their face on the internet or you do not know how they are, that it is ok to say harsh, mean or offensive comments to innocent individuals or groups.(Makur, 2004). Which is something they most likely would not do in person to person contact. What they do forget is there are many ways in which their identity can be exposed online. The best way to protect yourself from trolls is to ignore them, block them, report the troll to administrator of the public form or social networking site and tell an adult. You can also Kids Helpline 24/7 on 1800 55 1800 or use their web or email counselling services. How to deal with trolls by FantasyFilms
Sexting
What is sexting? When a person sends a 'sexy' picture, image, video or words via text message, Facebook, Skype, Snapchat and other social networking web sites. About 80% of teenagers aged 15-16 years old are involved in sexting. However most people do not realise that if you take, send or receive a image or video of someone under 18 years old it is actually illegal in most states and territories of Australia and you could be charged with a criminal offence. Even if you just forward the image onto your friends or if the image is of you and you agreed that the image could be forwarded on you still can be charged with a criminal offence. When you send, forward or post a sexual image or video it becomes part of the digital world and can quite quickly become viral for the world to see. Once the sexual image or video is viral it is very hard to remove from the internet. Having a sexual image on the internet of yourself could affect your future employment, relationships, social or sporting groups. Do not post any images that you would not want your parents, family or friends to see. It is important not be pressured into taking or sending images or videos of yourself. You have the right to say NO. If it feels uncomfortable do not do it. It is ok to say NO. What if you have already have sent a sexual image or video? Ask the person you sent the image or video to, to delete them. Best to tell your parents or guardians about the images or videos, as it is better to come from you rather than them finding out or seeing the images or videos online. You can also report it to the local police on 131 444. You can also have a "free and confidential talk with Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 to figure out the best way to handle the situation." (cybersmart.gov.au)
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Created 2015 by Justine Ellis is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.