Hey there, friends! My name is Denny Strecker, and I’m here to talk to you about something super important: internet safety for tweens. You might not know this, but the internet can be a pretty scary place, especially for kids like you and me. But don’t worry, I’m here to help!
In this article, I will give you some reliable information about how to stay safe on the internet. We’ll talk about things like cyberbullying, online predators, and how to protect your personal information. But don’t worry, I won’t be using any big words or anything like that. I’ll be writing in a way that an 8-year-old like you can understand.
So, let’s get started, and together we’ll learn how to stay safe and have fun on the internet!
Understanding the Risks
The internet is a wonderful place full of amazing things to discover, but it can also be dangerous if we’re not careful. Some people want to hurt us, trick us, or take advantage of us. That’s why it’s important to understand the risks and know how to protect ourselves.
One of the biggest risks is cyberbullying. This is when someone uses the internet to say mean or hurtful things to another person. It can happen on social media, in text messages, or in online games. If someone is cyberbullying you, it’s important to tell a trusted adult right away.
Another risk is online predators. These are people who pretend to be someone they’re not in order to trick kids into talking to them. They might pretend to be a kid your age, but really they’re a grown-up who wants to hurt you. That’s why it’s important to never talk to strangers online, and to always tell a trusted adult if someone you don’t know tries to talk to you.
There are also privacy concerns when it comes to the internet. When we use the internet, we leave behind information about ourselves, like our names, our addresses, and our interests. It’s important to be careful about what information we share online, and to always keep our personal information private.
Lastly, there’s the risk of exposure to inappropriate content. The internet is full of things that aren’t meant for kids to see, like violent or sexual images. That’s why it’s important to always ask a trusted adult before looking at something online, and to use safe search filters when looking for things on the internet.
Remember, understanding the risks is the first step to staying safe online.
Tips for Staying Safe
Now that we understand the risks, let’s talk about some tips for staying safe on the internet:
- Only talk to people you know – Never talk to strangers online; always ask a trusted adult before talking to someone new.
- Keep your personal information private – Don’t share things like your full name, address, phone number, or school online.
- Use strong passwords – Choose passwords that are hard for others to guess, and don’t share your passwords with anyone.
- Think before you post – Remember that anything you post online can be seen by anyone, so think carefully before posting something.
- Use safe search filters – When looking for things online, make sure to use safe search filters to avoid seeing anything inappropriate.
- Tell a trusted adult if something doesn’t feel right – If you ever feel scared, uncomfortable, or unsure about something online, tell a trusted adult right away.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to staying safe on the internet. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
What to Do if Something Goes Wrong
Even if you follow all the tips for staying safe on the internet, sometimes things can still go wrong. Maybe someone is cyberbullying you, or you accidentally saw something inappropriate online. If that happens, it’s important to know what to do.
- Tell a trusted adult – This is the most important thing you can do. Whether it’s a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult, tell someone you trust what happened.
- Don’t respond to cyberbullying – If someone is saying mean things to you online, don’t respond to them. It’s important to not engage with bullies and to tell a trusted adult right away.
- Block or report the person – Most social media platforms and online games have a way to block or report someone who is being mean or inappropriate. Use these tools to protect yourself.
- Take a break from the internet – Sometimes, it’s a good idea to take a break from the internet for a little while. This can help you feel better and give you time to talk to a trusted adult about what happened.
Remember, if something goes wrong, it’s not your fault. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. Together, we can stay safe and have fun on the internet!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is cyberbullying?
A: Cyberbullying is when someone uses the internet to say mean or hurtful things to another person.
Q: What should I do if someone I don’t know tries to talk to me online?
A: You should never talk to strangers online. If someone you don’t know tries to talk to you, tell a trusted adult immediately.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally see something inappropriate online?
A: If you accidentally see something inappropriate online, close the window and tell a trusted adult right away.
Conclusion
The internet is great for learning new things, connecting with friends, and having fun. But it’s also important to stay safe. By following the tips we’ve discussed, you can protect yourself from online risks and enjoy all the good things the internet has to offer.
Always talk to a trusted adult if you’re unsure about something online or something doesn’t feel right. And don’t forget to have fun and enjoy your time online!
I hope this guide has been helpful to you, and that you feel more confident about staying safe on the internet. If you have any more questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask a trusted adult for help.
Denny Strecker owns and operates Prestige Martial Arts, where he has taught children how to develop their Confidence, Discipline, and Leadership Skills since 1997.
Denny is also the author of the Amazon Best-Selling Book
“How to Double Your Child’s Confidence in Just 30 Days”
