Staying Safe Online: A Young Person’s Contract
1. I will ALWAYS tell a parent or another adult immediately if something is confusing or seems scary or threatening.
2. I will Never give out my full name, real address, telephone number, school name or location, schedule, password, or other identifying information when I’m online. I will check with an adult for any exceptions.
3. I will Never have a face-to-face meeting with someone I’ve met online. In rare cases, my parents may decide it’s OK, but if I do decide to meet a cyberpal, I will make sure we meet in a public place and that a parent or guardian is with me.
4. I will Never respond online to any messages that use bad words or words that are scary, threatening, or just feel weird. If I get that kind of message, I’ll print it out and tell an adult immediately. The adult can then contact the online service or appropriate agency. If I’m uncomfortable in a live chat room, I will use the “ignore” button.
5. I will Never go into a new online area that is going to cost additional money without first asking permission from my parent or teacher.
6. I will Never send a picture over the Internet or via regular mail to anyone without my parent’s permission.
7. I will Not give out a credit card number online without my parent present.
Young Person ________________________________________Date________
Parent/Guardian _____________________________________ Date________
[with permission of The Children’s Partnership, www.childrenspartnership.org – page 19 of the Parents Guide to the Information Superhighway].
We also recommend an app titled Professor Garfield’s Cyberbullying. It’s free on iTunes and for ages 4 and up. It includes tips on recognizing different forms of cyberbullying, strategies for dealing with bullies, and the importance of telling an adult.
Photo from childrenspartnership.org
