Internet Safety Tips for Kids

The Internet is amazing! But there are rules about being online, just like there are rules about what you do and say in other places. It's important you learn what’s OK and what isn’t so you can stay safe online. Here's what you need to know.

What Content Should I Read or Watch?

Stick to apps and websites made for kids your age. Some sites have age limits, so you might be tempted to lie about your age. It's safer to tell the truth and avoid those sites until you're older. Your parents and teachers can guide you to the best sites for you.

How to Be Safe Online

Who are you online? You're always you, of course. But if you use a smartphone, tablet, or computer to play games and text with friends, you also have an online identity.

Games and websites might let you create a profile picture that represents you. It's fun to dress up that character and maybe give it a sense of style you'd never try at school.

Apps and websites also let you choose your own username, like King_of_Ketchup. If you really love ketchup, should you tell your online friends that? It’s up to you, but it brings up a good point: How much should you share about your real self online?

Protect Your Privacy

Before you download a new app or game, or make an account for a website, talk with your parents or another trusted grown-up. They can help you decide if it’s safe. When you create a username, don't use your real name or include personal details like your age, school, or where you live.

Also, guard your passwords. If someone signs in as you, you have no control over what they do or say. And everyone will think it's you! Let only your parents know your passwords.

Privacy matters when posting online too. Once you put any information out there, it's really hard to take it back. Before sharing anything, ask yourself: Would I be OK if my parents, teachers, or the whole school saw this?

Be Smart About Permissions

Apps and websites will often ask for permission to use your camera, microphone, location, photos, and contacts. Some permissions make sense, but others don't — and some apps might try to get more access than they need. Always ask a parent or another trusted grown-up before letting an app have permission.

Don't Share Certain Things

Never share this information online (unless your parents say it’s OK):

• your full name
• your address or city
• your school's name
• your phone number
• photos of yourself or your family
• your parents' names

If you're not sure whether something is OK to share, ask a parent first. When in doubt, keep it private.

How Apps & Sites Choose What to Show You

Apps, games, and websites use computer programs called algorithms (say: AL-guh-ri-thumz). Algorithms choose what videos, games, or posts to show you based on what you've clicked on or watched before.

But sometimes algorithms can show you things that aren't good for you, like:

• scary or violent videos
• videos and articles that make you feel bad about yourself
• dangerous challenges or tricks that could hurt you

If you see something that makes you uncomfortable or scared, tell your parents right away. They can help change your settings and block certain kinds of content.

Social Media & Strangers

Many social media sites are for kids ages 13 and older, but some younger kids look at them. The sites may let you text, share photos, and play online games. But even on kid-friendly apps and games, you might get messages from people you don't know.

It might seem fun to make new friends, but never message, video chat, or meet someone in person who you met online. Even if they seem really nice or say they're a kid, they might be lying.

If a stranger messages you, asks for your personal information, or asks you to keep a secret from your parents, tell your parents right away. They might need to change your account settings, report what happened to the app, or tell the police.

Online Bullying

It can be tempting to hide behind an online username to play a joke by teasing the person or pretending to be someone else. Or maybe you're angry with someone and it's easier to say something mean if the person doesn't know it's you.

Just like in the real world, it's mean and hurtful to do stuff like that online. Even if you're only kidding, the person might not know that you're only joking and might be very hurt or angry by what you said.

The rule is simple: Be kind online. Schools, teachers, and parents are all getting stricter about what is OK or not OK to send as a message on your phone or other device.

Here's a good test: If you wouldn't say it to someone's face, don't say it to the person online. And just like with regular bullying, tell a grown-up if someone you know is being upset in this way.

What Should I Do If I’m Being Bullied Online?

If you're being bullied online, also called cyberbullying or electronic bullying, here are some tips:

• Tell a trusted grown-up (like a parent, teacher, or school counselor).
• Don't respond to the bully.
• Save the messages (for example, take screenshots).
• Block the person.

The more you talk with your parents about what you do online and who you contact, the more they can help keep you safe.