Crime Prevention Tips

Outsmarting the Bad Guys

PARENTS : Crime Stoppers is working to help keep our children safe while using the internet. Below are a few pointers to use in discussing with your kids privacy and safe computing.

In cyberspace, just as at home or at school, there are ways to stay safe, learn and have fun at the same time. Remember that because of the anonymity of the web, criminals of all kinds can hide and use tricks to commit their crimes. Be alert and outsmart the bad guys.

Some Important Tips

• Talk to your parents or teachers about bad behavior online such as hacking, piracy (illegal file sharing), cheating on schoolwork, bullying, and pornography.
• Always stay private. Never give your name, age, address, phone number, or even the name of your school. Use a "user name" only. The bad guys pretend they are kids like you and try to trick you into giving them the information they want.
• Never give personal information about family members or friends. Just remember to ask yourself "Would I want that information to be given about me?"
• Never respond to email from strangers or agree to meet anyone you've met online.
• Tell an adult if you find anything on the internet that scares you or makes you uncomfortable - bullies, obscene talk, threats to you or others, including animals. ( www.cyberbullying.com )
• Never click on a link in an email, even from people you know. Often these are links to bogus websites and can be a route for criminals to steal your personal information or that of your parents.

For additional information and tips:

For Kids :

www.netmonkey.info/index (Download Newsletters)
www.osv.org/kids/askjack.htm (funlearning)
www.discovery.com (Discovery Channel/kids)
www.surfnetkids.com
www.bensguide.gpo.gov (US Govt.)

For Parents :

www.responsiblenetizen.org/cyberbullying
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/children
www.staysafeonline.org