Message from Elmer the Safety Elephant

When I use the computer, I almost forget the important safety rules to follow. But I am an elephant and I never forget. Do you remember all the important rules when you use the computer?

Let’s look at them together again.

• I do not give out personal information online without my parent’s permission.

  This means that I never give my name, phone number, house address, e-mail address or location of my home or school. I don’t post photos of myself unless my parents say it is OK to share with a friend or family member by e-mail.

• I create a personalized nickname.

  This safety rule is fun. I have to choose a name that does not say whether I am a boy or a girl. My friends will know that it is me.

• I have a password.

  This safety rule is also fun. I have to create a password that is unique and hard to guess, but easy for me to remember. No one except my parents, know what it is… not even my best friend.

• I will only “chat” with people I know.

  When I am old enough and start to e-mail and use chat messages, I will only communicate with people that I know and that my parents approuve of.

• I will tell my parents when something makes me feel uncomfortable.

  This is not so fun. Sometimes, things are written or shown on the computer that makes me feel uncomfortable. I know to tell my parents right away.

• I will have good “Netiquette”.

  Good “Netiquette” is good etiquette on the Net. This means that I will treat others with respect. I will not send rude or mean messages and I will not post things such as words or photos from someone else.

• Finally, I will not believe everything that I read or see on the Internet!

  I will know to check it out and ask my parents about it.

If you remember to follow these Internet safety rules, you will be smart and be safe.