Stay Safe on the Internet
What is the internet?
• It is how computers all over the world talk to each other.
• It lets you connect the computer you use to another computer.
• The internet is easy to learn.
• It is how computers all over the world talk to each other.
• It lets you connect the computer you use to another computer.
• The internet is easy to learn.
The internet can be fun!
• Do you use the internet? You can use it to:
o Find things to do
o Plan a trip
o Write to friends and family
o Buy things
You have to be careful.
• Some people who use the internet are trying to break the law.
• They might ask you for things that will help them steal from you or hurt you.
• If you use the internet, it’s important to keep yourself safe from these people.
What do they ask for?
• They ask for your personal information.
• They might ask for:
o Your name, address, or phone number;
o Your birth date;
o Your social security number; or
o Your credit card number or bank information.
• They ask for your personal information.
• They might ask for:
o Your name, address, or phone number;
o Your birth date;
o Your social security number; or
o Your credit card number or bank information.
What do I do?
• The best things to do are:
o Just say no
o Do not give out personal information over the internet
What if I get an email from someone I do not know?
• If you do not know the person or company who sent it, do not open it!
• Some people will pretend to be your bank or credit card company.
o Do not give them any information.
o If you are not sure, ask someone.
o Or, call your bank or credit card company and ask about it.
What if I buy things on the internet?
• If you do, you may need to use a credit card.
• Look for a sign that tells you the website is safe.
Other ways people can steal your personal information.
• They use email to put a virus in your computer.
• The virus sends people your personal information.
• Make sure to:
o Get a program to protect your computer from a virus; and
o Write down your passwords, do not save them on your computer.
Same thing for your medical information.
• Someone might ask for your insurance or medical record number.
• They will use the information to buy medicine and charge it to you.
• Do not give anyone that information online.
• If you buy medicine online, make sure it is a safe website.
Can you make friends on the internet?
• You can meet new people on the internet.
• Good places to meet people on the internet are:
o Websites for self-advocates
o Websites about things you enjoy, like movies or games
What if someone on the internet asks to meet you?
• Sometimes, people who meet on the internet like to see each other.
• It can be fun to meet someone in person.
• Sometimes people on the internet do not tell the truth. They may not really be your friend.
• You have to be careful and stay safe!
How can you stay safe if an internet friend asks you to meet them?
• Talk to someone about it.
• A friend, family member, or someone who works with you can help you decide if you should go.
• Talk to someone about it.
• A friend, family member, or someone who works with you can help you decide if you should go.
How can you be safe if an internet friend asks you to meet them?
• If you do meet someone, take someone with you and meet in a very public place, like a:
• Library
• Place to eat
• You should never go alone to meet someone.
• If you do meet someone, take someone with you and meet in a very public place, like a:
• Library
• Place to eat
• You should never go alone to meet someone.