Take care when online - Safer Internet Day 8th February

Safer Internet Day 2011 is on 8th February. With our real lives now being played out on the virtual plane thanks to online shopping, social networking, reading the news and so on it is time to get wise. As you surf the Net, a true information superhighway, it is requirement to use commonsense. In fact, just as much as you use it in the real world.

Let's build a safe and responsible cyber world.

Ten commonsense resolutions to stay safe online

SAY NO

* to Cyberbullying. On cyberspace, victim's trauma is 24x7, hence trauma is multiplied.

* to weak passwords and password info sharing. We don't share our toothbrush, do we?

* to clicking on strange links or opening files sent by strangers It could be virus, junk, phishing scam, etc. Remember your parents said, “Don't accept toffees from strangers?”

* to meeting alone with friends made online. More foreign danger!

* to adding unwanted to your Friends List. On the Net, people aren't always who they say they are.

* to posting photos of yourself or sharing personal identifying information on the internet without first checking with your parents. The net is a global audience; don't forget the voyeuristic trend of human nature!

* to posting photographs of your friends without first taking their accept. It's basic human courtesy to ask before splashing their photographs in public spaces.

* to thoughtlessly created or embarrassing screen names and IDs. Can be very embarrassing when applying for college admission or a job!

* to thoughtlessly over-sharing feelings. You have no control over who all will read your postings and take advantage of your emotional vulnerability.

* to silently tolerating abuse messages / happenings on the net. If anything uncomfortable happens, do share with / report it to your parents or a trusted adult).