Social Networking Can Be Fun - But Be Safe About It!

Make sure your parents are aware of what sites you hang out at. Keep that comunication open with them, you never know when they might hear something in the news about your sites that could be important for you to know.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when talking to your teens about the Internet and social networks:

Choose your pictures wisely: pictures can say a thousand words. If you decide to post a picture of yourself online, be very cautious about what you post. Do not use a picture that will embarrass you five years down the road because even if you delete the picture, it will never go away. What goes online, stays online! Think about these questions first: If I post this picture, could it prevent me from getting a scholarship or a job in the future? Could this picture embarrass another family member or a friend? What if the person or persons I share my picture with, shares it with others? These things do happen. So keep in mind of what your wearing and even what might be in the background of your picture.

Don't talk to strangers and use privacy setting: Sometimes people aren't always who they say they are and the Internet provides an additional means of being anonymous. Remember, everyone in the world doesn't have your best interests at heart and some people are looking to prey on children and teens online to hurt them. Social networking sites have privacy setting so you can control who can see your personal page. The settings can't protecy you 100 percent, but they are helpful so make sure you set up a privacy setting so only your friends can see your page.

Keep your personal information personal: Don't share personal information such as your last name, you could use a nick name in stead. Don't share parents or siblings names, phone numbers, address, social security number or where you like to hang out. People with dishonest intentions can use this information to find you or steal your identity. Some will take the time to take notes each time your on line to collect your information until they have all they need to find you.

Don't be a cyberbully: Don't bully peple online or in person. You wouldn't appreciate a schoolmate or even a stranger posting embarrassing or harassing information about you or threatening you online so don't do that to someone else. Online, this is called syberfullying, and now more and more states are passing anti-cyberbullying laws. The last thing you want to do is hurt someone or make them want to hurt you or themself.

Go outside and stay active: Technology is fascinating and it keeps us connected in so many ways, but don't let the Internet disconnect you from living, ad other things that are important in life. Spend time with family and friends in person. Walk the dog, learn how to play an instrument, get involved in sports and other extracurricular after school activities. Real life connections with family, friends and those most important to you should be one of your top priorites. Life is to short to live and have fun, and you do not get a do over!

For more Internet safety tips and resources visit, www.comcast.net/security