CYBER-BULLYING/ONLINE SAFETY

Socializing online can help you connect with friends, and even family members, but it’s important to learn how to navigate these spaces safely. Among the pitfalls that come with online socializing are: sharing too much information or posting pictures, video or words that can damage a reputation or hurt someone’s feelings. By using good judgment and sense, you can help lessen those downsides.

Though you may be totally comfortable socializing online, it is important that you understand that not everything you see on the internet is true, people may not be who they appear to be, and information, images, and anything else you share can potentially be seen far and wide. Think before you post!!!

Employers, college admissions officers, coaches, teachers and even the police may be able to view your posts. The words you write and the pictures you post can still have consequences offline.

Once your information is posted, even if you delete it from a site, you have no control over any version that still exists on other people’s computers. Your posts will continue to be accessible online no matter how hard you try to remove them.

CYBER-BULLYING

The National Crime Prevention Council's definition of cyber-bullying is "when the Internet, cell phones or other devices are used to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person." Cyber-bulling can happen through an email, text message, online game, or as comments on a social networking site.

“Mean-Spirited” hurtful messages not only make the teens receiving them feel bad, they can also cause mental and emotional harm- and sometimes physical harm with serious consequenses. Authorities are starting to prosecute those teens or adults who send such messages.

Visit www.athinline.org for tips and for the latest research. Also go to www.cyberbullying.org. For schools/teachers/ communities visit: https://olweus.sites.clemson.edu/ for trainings/info.

Also visit Facebook’s Safety Center at www.facebook.com/safety for instagram go to “Safety Tips” tab under Help Center- Privacy & Safety.

Cyber Safety

Avoid sex talk online!!!

Current research shows that teens who don’t talk about sex with strangers online are least likely to come in contact with sexual predators. You may already have felt a little “creeped” out by contact from adults you didn’t know. Don’t hesitate to ignore or block them!

“Sexting” has consequences!!!

If you send or forward sexually explicit photos, videos, or messages from your phone, not only are you risking your reputation and friendships, you could be breaking the law. For more info go to: www.netsmartz.org/sexting or www.nsteens.org

If you believe you have been inappropriately solicited online call or visit the Cyber Tipline above or www.SafeFlorida.net/SafeSurf You can also call 1-800-The Lost (1-800-843-5678)

CAUTION! If someone wants to meet you and or offers you a relationship and promises you things you want or need (online, through text, and in person) and it sounds too good to be true- this could be a preditor or a human trafficker! You could be tricked and exploited or placed in a dangerous situation!

If YOU are in immediate danger text "BeFree” (233733)

Call the Human Trafficking Hotline : 1-888-373-7888 www.traffickingresourcecenter.org/report-trafficking