- Remember: people may not be who, or how old they say they are
- Never disclose identifying details
- Only MSN with people already known in the real world
- Never reply to cyber-bullying: block the sender, save the evidence, and tell a trusted adult.
- Don’t spend time on websites that make you feel bad about yourself
- Set social networking profiles to “private” – and be careful who is added as a “friend”
- Set internet security settings as high possible
- Never do anything online that could jeopardise your education or your career, or lead to a criminal record
- Think of yourself as a role model: what might happen if a much younger child saw your on line profile?
- Never respond to spam e mails, dubious competitions or chain letters
- Don’t spend too much time online: have “real-world” friends and interests, too
- Pray regularly that God will bless and protect your time on line
from: Nicola David: ‘World of danger behind the bedroom door’
Church Times 22 February 2008
Nicola David is the author of Staying Safe Online, Grove Books 2007
