Internet Safety

How could we live without our smartphones, laptops, and other devices that allow us to go online? That's how most of us keep track of activities, stay in touch with friends and family, take pictures, do homework and research, find out the latest news, and shop.

But along with all the benefits, there are real online safety risks you should be aware of. These include people who might try to take advantage of or bully you, harmful content that platforms might recommend, and ways that your personal information can be misused.

These internet safety tips can help you stay safer while using apps, websites, and social media.

Being Smart Online

Post With Care

One important online safety tip is to think before you post, so check your mood. Are you feeling upset or angry? Then it's not the time to be messaging or scrolling on social media. People don't always make good decisions when they're stressed out or upset. And sometimes focusing on what everyone else is posting and sharing can make you more stressed. You don’t want to post something you regret later. So. if you must, call someone or go for a run instead before you start venting online.

Protect Your Privacy

When you're on a website or an app, try to remain as anonymous as possible. That means keeping all private information private. Private information that you should never allow the public to see includes:

• your full name
• any type of photograph (even of your pet)
• your current location (check your phone’s settings for each app because apps may see your location without you realizing it)
• home and school address and the addresses of any of your family or friends
• phone numbers
• Social Security number
• passwords
• names of family members
• credit card numbers

Most trustworthy people and companies won't ask for this type of information online. So if others do, they may be up to no good. Always check with a parent if you’re unsure, especially when shopping online or signing up for a website or an app.

Be Thoughtful About Your Profile

Use privacy settings to control who can see your posts. Don’t include any personal information like your location, phone number, school name, or last name on your username or bio.

Question What Apps & Sites Recommend

Watch out for harmful content (like eating disorder material, self-harm content, violent videos, and dangerous challenges) that platforms might recommend to you.

Here's how it works: maybe you watched one video about healthy eating, and suddenly your feed is full of extreme dieting tips and eating disorder content. This happens because platforms use algorithms — computer programs that recommend content based on what you've watched before. These algorithms are made to keep you engaged, but they can make harmful content show up more and more.

Be wary of shocking content that seems designed to make you angry or scared — that’s often a sign it’s made just for clicks, not because it’s true or helpful.

What Can You Do?

If you notice harmful content keeps showing up in your feed, know that it's not "what you're interested in" — it's the algorithm. Do an algorithm reset (search your platform for how to do this), block and report the content, and talk to a parent or other trusted adult. This kind of content can seriously affect your safety and mental health.

Deal With Unsafe Messages

If someone in a messaging app or online chat makes you uncomfortable or feel like you’re in danger for any reason, exit it right away. Don’t reply to the person. Block and report the person immediately using the platform’s tools. Tell a parent or trusted adult, especially if you’re being asked for personal information or are being sent inappropriate content (content that makes you uncomfortable).

Know How to Handle Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying (also called electronic bullying or online bullying) refers to cruel or threatening messages sent to you online. These might be from former friends or other people you know. They can also be sent anonymously.

If you’re being cyberbullied:

• Tell a parent or other trusted adult.
• Don’t respond because it gives the bully attention.
• Save evidence by taking screenshots of everything.
• Block and report the person by using platform tools.

For a serious threat, report it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline. They'll make sure the information is forwarded to law enforcement officials for investigation.

If you see someone being cyberbullied, don’t join in and don’t stay silent either. Reach out privately to the person being targeted and report it to an adult.

Avoid Viruses & Scams

• Use spam filters and don’t open emails or attachments from unknown senders — they could contain viruses or be phishing (pronounced: FIH-shing) scams. With phishing, scammers try to trick you into revealing passwords and other personal information.
• Don't click suspicious links (even from friends because their account might be hacked).
• Don't download apps from unofficial sources.
• Keep your device's security software updated.

Be Cautious about In-Person Meetups

Be extremely cautious about meeting online friends in person. While some online friendships are genuine, it’s easy for people to lie about who they are online. If you want to meet someone you’ve known only online:

• Have a video chat first (with a parent there).
• Tell your parents and get their permission.
• Always meet in a public place with a parent there too.
• Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

• Keep your devices secure when you're out and about. Don't let other people use your phone unless you're with them. Avoid leaving your phone where someone else might pick it up. Turn your laptop or tablet off when you're not using it. Don't make it easy for other people to get a look at your personal information.
• Watch out for deepfakes. Artificial intelligence (AI) can create deepfakes — fake images, videos, and audio that looks and sounds real like a real person. If someone shares an embarrassing or inappropriate image claiming it's you, tell a parent or other trusted adult. It should be reported to the social media platform or website it’s on and to the police.
• Check your privacy settings regularly. Companies collect data about what you view, like, and search for. They can use the data to show you specific ads or even find things out about you that you may not want linked to your profile. Limit what information apps can access.
• Imagine your grandma’s watching. Any pictures, videos, or text messages that you share could be leaked as soon as you post them. A good rule is that if you wouldn't want your grandmother to see it, you probably shouldn't send it or post it.

Practicing good cyber safety can help protect your privacy, mental health, and future.