As you enter and go through middle school, chances are you’ll be spending more time on the internet. While there are a lot of great things you can do on the internet, you need to make sure that you know how to safe safe online.
Facebook, blogs, and other websites give you the opportunity to express yourself and hang out with friends outside of school. However, your friends aren’t the only ones online.
1. Don’t post information/pictures on the internet that you wouldn’t be comfortable with ANYONE seeing.
Once you post something, it leaves what’s called a digital footprint which can last for a long time.. even after you delete it.
2. Don’t post anything that you wouldn’t say to someone if you were talking to them face-to-face.
Cyberbullying is a crime in most states. That means if you post anything at all like the girl said in her speech, you’ll be in trouble with more than just your parents.
3. Don’t post information that allows strangers to identify you, such as- full name, where you go to school, your age/birth date, phone number, or address.
This is the type of information that strangers can use to make you think they are someone that you know. They might try to become your “internet friend”. These types of strangers are known as online predators and are very dangerous people.
4. Never open an email from a stranger – it may contain viruses that can harm a computer.
The email could also contain misleading links that take you to websites that contain inappropriate material.
Additional sources of information for how you can stay safe online.
A Thin Line by MTV – Fighting Digital Abuse
Dos and Don’ts When Using Social Networks
NSTeens – Make Safer Choices Online
Chatdanger – How to Keep Safe While Chatting Online
Kidsmart – Learn More about the Internet and Smart Surfing
References:
Common Sense Media. (2012, March 19). Internet safety tips for middle school kids. Retrieved from http://www.commonsensemedia.org/advice-for-parents/internet-safety-tips-middle-school-kids
The Advertising Council, Inc. (2008). Bulletin Board – Online Safety Commercial [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOUu1fldBbI
The Advertising Council, Inc. (2008). Talent Show – Cyberbullying Prevention Commercial [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdQBurXQOeQ
Matt Long: EDTECH Portfolio 
Good guidelines and Internet sources – unfortunately bullying is very common in many middle schools today. I particularly like the Kidsmart website because it gives helpful tips for each social networking tool and is very colorful.
Matthew,
Your post on internet safety is excellent! I think middle schoolers would definitely respond and connect to the videos and links that you posted above. They were both really great finds! I also love the MTV link and the fact that Snooki speaking out about bullying is on the front page right now. Who knew? Great work!
-Molli
Matt,
Great choice in videos–short, sweet, and to the point. Really nice selection.