What should students do to be safe using email and the Internet?
As digital citizens, learners should be able to participate responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world. This involves being aware of the consequences of one’s actions and the issue of digital permanency. Learners should be aware of the legal and ethical issues concerning digital technologies including email.
Email Safety
Follow these simple rules to help you be a better person at emailing and to feel safe sending and receiving information.
Do not open unknown attachments or spam email.
Attachments can have a virus and the sender may not even know. Any attachments from spam users should never be opened to help you remain safe from viruses. Remember there is always a potential risk even if you do know the sender. For more information from the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, click here.
Do not share your passwords.
Sharing your password is always a bad idea. If other people have access to your information, it could eventually fall in the wrong hands.
Change your passwords regularly.
Changing your passwords on a regular basis gives scammers a harder time hacking your information. Once you change your password, be sure to keep it in a secure location.
Internet Safety
Follow these simple rules to remain safe on the internet. Check out wikiHow: How to Be Safe on the Internet for in-depth information on internet safety. The Teacher’s Guide to Keeping Students Safe Online by the eLearning Industry is another great resource for internet safety tips.
Parents need to have all access
If you are not a legal adult, it is always a good idea to allow a parent to monitor your accounts. Let your parents know who you are talking to online.
Never make plans to meet someone from the internet
Everyone has heard the horror stories about meeting strangers from online. Don’t make plans to meet strangers, but if you do, always take caution and meet in a public place and never go alone.
Do not give out personal information
Servers are not always safe and personal information has been known to be leaked. Take precautions by never giving out personal information.
Resources
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Safe-on-the-Internet
https://elearningindustry.com/the-teacher-guide-to-keeping-students-safe-online
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-010
References
Disney Educational Productions. (16 July 2012). Wild about safety with Timon and Pumbaa: Safety Smart® Online [VideoFile]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-njh8mFvVk&t=106s
Google for Educations. (25 June 2017). Stay safe from phishing and scams [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R12_y2BhKbE
Lucas, R. (2013 September 11). eLearning Industry. Retrieved from The Teacher’s Guide to Keeping Students Safe Online: https://elearningindustry.com/the-teacher-guide-to-keeping-students-safe-online
Unknown. (n.d.). wikiHow. Retrieved from: How to Be Safe on the Internet: https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Safe-on-the-Internet
US-CERT. (2009, September 10). United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team. Retrieved from Using Caution with Email Attachments: https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-010
Watchwellcast. (2 May 2013). Safe Web Surfing: Top Tips for Kids and Teens Online [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrln8nyVBLU