Today's world is powered by technology. High tech that is often far more complex than anything you have experienced. And technology often puts very powerful tools into the hands of the individual. These tools more often are double-edged, and can cause extreme hurt -- unless you have the knowledge and training to handle them.
Today's online tools are perhaps the most powerful and, in a manner of speaking, the most dangerous that our kids have (easy) access to. But take heart that you don't have to be a rocket scientist or a security expert to stay safe online. This is where the relevance of initiatives like SID comes in. Safe Internet Day initiative started back in 2004 as part of the EU Safe Borders project. It is observed on the second day of the second week of the second month, and is now celebrated in more than 90 countries across the world. The theme for SID 2012 was "connecting generations", when children, parents and grandparents were invited to “discover the digital world together… safely”.
The tenth SID celebrated on 5 February, 2013 revolved around the theme "online rights and responsibilties", and its slogan will be "connect with respect". Naturally this would make an additional set of three R's for the kids to follow while online.
R-1: Being online and 'connecting' with the rest of the world starts with respect. Polish up your etiquette and that should serve you well on the Net too! (Pundits call it Netiquette, but dont worry, it is more or less the same old thing!) Treat every other individual you 'meet' online with the same sort of respect you would show him or her normally in real face-to-face situations. Always be polite in what you say. Respect the rights of others--here is a situation where you can "give respect and take respect"!
R-3: Now, the important part -- your responsibilities. Be honest, especially when stating your age to access sites, which is important from the angle of security shields. Always present authentic information, and don't upload trash, viruses, or copyrighted material owned by others, and don't generate spam email. Always keep parents, elders and teachers informed of your online activities, especially when you are in doubt, or when you come across rights violations or abuse. Behave responsibly while blogging or while on social sites. Be careful about what you say online or what pictures you upload. Always learn and observe safe online practices. (Check out the tips below from security experts.) To freely paraphrase the Biblical injunction, Don't do unto others what you wouldn't want others to do unto you. That should keep you safe and sound in the online jungle.
Google, the search giant, has posted ten tips for online safety. Their security experts are sure to know a thing or two when it comes to spotting skulduggery online, and how to save your skin while trawling the web. Needless to say, these tips could be useful for kids and grown ups alike.
• Use a long, unique password made up of numbers, letters and symbols for each of your important accounts like email and online banking.
• Don’t send your password via email, and don’t share it with others.
• Set up your password recovery options and keep them up-to-date.
• Keep away from scams - don’t reply if you see a suspicious email, instant message or webpage asking for your personal or financial information.
• Report and flag content that is abusive or illegal.
• Check your privacy and security settings often, and customize how you want to share your content.
• Be mindful of your online reputation — think twice before you post something embarrassing, harmful or inappropriate.
• Keep your device’s browser and operating system up-to-date. When you do install software, make sure it's from a trusted source.
• Pay close attention when asked to sign in online. Check to see if the web address begins with https:// — which signals that your connection to the website is encrypted and secure, and so more resistant to snooping or tampering.
• Always lock your screen when you're finished using your computer, tablet or phone, and for added security, set it to lock automatically when it goes to standby/sleep.
Do find time to explore:
http://www.saferinternetday.org/web/guest/home
http://googleblog.blogspot.in/2013/02/safer-internet-day-how-we-help-you-stay.html
http://www.jaagoteens.com/
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