Safe to Share or not?
We share information online when we complete forms, log in to websites, and post information on blogs, discussion boards and websites. Many companies also collect information about us every time we click on a webpage through things called "cookies".
The Internet is a wonderful place for us to learn and share with others. We can work together with other people, seek answers to our questions from experts and share our amazing ideas with the whole world. Some people have become rich and famous through sharing and learning on the World Wide Web.
However, we have to remember to be careful about what and how much we share. Sometimes sharing our information on the Internet can lead to problems. We can be bombarded with annoying advertising or even be sent viruses that will damage our computer. People can steal our private information and pretend to be us or trick us, sometimes stealing our money or committing other crimes.
So how do we know what to share and when it is safe to share?
The Internet is a wonderful place for us to learn and share with others. We can work together with other people, seek answers to our questions from experts and share our amazing ideas with the whole world. Some people have become rich and famous through sharing and learning on the World Wide Web.
However, we have to remember to be careful about what and how much we share. Sometimes sharing our information on the Internet can lead to problems. We can be bombarded with annoying advertising or even be sent viruses that will damage our computer. People can steal our private information and pretend to be us or trick us, sometimes stealing our money or committing other crimes.
So how do we know what to share and when it is safe to share?
Watch the cartoon with Professor Garfield to find out what types of information are safe to share and which types you need to keep safe.
Complete the quiz to test your understanding.
Ask your teacher for the username and password for this site to complete the quiz, or watch the video to see the answers.
Complete the quiz to test your understanding.
Ask your teacher for the username and password for this site to complete the quiz, or watch the video to see the answers.
Reasons we need to keep our Private information safe
Spam Emails, Advertising & VirusesWhy might websites need your contact information?
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Many websites collect information about us so that they can contact us to send us information that we might want or need, but we can also be sent or shown information that is unwelcome. If a website asks for private information about you, check with an adult before you give any information. Sometimes websites are legitimate (for real) and sometimes they are trying to harm us, or get information about us that they can sell to other companies. Even adults sometimes get tricked by these websites. Giving out your private information can mean that you get lots of annoying emails and advertising that is sometimes inappropriate. You might also be unlucky to get a virus that will harm your computer. Remember: Always check with an adult before you share private information online!
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Identity TheftWhy would someone want to steal another person's identity?
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An identity thief uses private information to pretend to be the person whose identity he or she has stolen. Once the thief has taken someone’s identity, he or she can use that person’s name to get a driver’s license or buy things, even if the person whose identity they stole isn’t old enough to do these things! It’s often not until much later that people realise that their identity has been stolen. Identity thieves may also apply for credit cards in other people’s names and run up big bills that they don’t pay off. Identity thieves often target children and teens because they have a clean credit history and their parents are unlikely to be aware that someone is taking on their child’s identity. Remember: Keep private information like your full name, birth date, and bank details to yourself.
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Personal Safety |
You wouldn't share your private information and personal details with a stranger "in the real world", so you shouldn't do it online. Whenever you post to the internet, you are putting information about yourself out there for anyone in the world with a computer to see. It is difficult and often impossible to get this information back, so the best thing to do is to avoid posting the information in the first place. Remember: Think before you post. Every time.
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Your On-line Identity
Think about the kinds of information that are ok to share and the kinds of information you need to keep safe. The internet is a great place to learn, discover, explore and have fun, so long as you remember to keep your private information private.
Instead of using your real name, you might decide to use a nickname instead. Your real friends should know who you are by your nickname but people who don't really know you will not know your real name.
Instead of a photograph of yourself, you can create an avatar to use when online. Your avatar should reflect the image you are wanting to project and should not be rude or offensive.
Use one of the following sites to create an avatar to use online. You can clip the image using the "snipping tool" and save it in your Pictures folder so it is easy to find when you need it.
Instead of using your real name, you might decide to use a nickname instead. Your real friends should know who you are by your nickname but people who don't really know you will not know your real name.
Instead of a photograph of yourself, you can create an avatar to use when online. Your avatar should reflect the image you are wanting to project and should not be rude or offensive.
Use one of the following sites to create an avatar to use online. You can clip the image using the "snipping tool" and save it in your Pictures folder so it is easy to find when you need it.