Internet ...? Definition: The Internet is millions of computers

around the world connected to each other.

Explanation: When you're on the Internet, your

computer is connected to others by networks of telephone wire, cable and satellite. The Web, e-mail, chat, and newsgroups are things you can do on the Internet.

How do computers communicate?Think about all of the computers that are connected here at

school. Such a group of computers is called a network. Computers in a network can communicate with one another. All of these networks are connected to one another in a huge worldwide network called the Internet.

The Internet is made of millions of computers around the world. Most communicate through copper wires or glass fibers. Others communicate through the air, like cell phones do.

Being connected is not enough. Computers must also understand one another. They must speak the same language in order to communicate. Computers connected to the Internet exchange instructions that allow them to “talk” to one another.

People, schools and businesses own different parts of the Internet. These parts include computers, cables, and other equipment. Nobody owns the whole Internet. The Internet is shared. Anyone who pays a fee can use it. Everyone owns it.

What Cyberspace IsCyberspace is where people like you exchange

ideas using computers that are connected to the Internet. It is real people communicating with other real people. In cyberspace, your adventures are real. You can have real fun and learn a lot. But, it is also possible to get into very real trouble. Hanging out with people you meet in cyberspace is not the same as being with people you know for real – your family, friends, teachers, and coaches.

Be ComfortableIt is fun to explore Web sites and search for

information. However, sometimes you may find things you don’t want to see. It’s easy to stumble across icky or embarrassing sites by mistake. In fact, some sites have tricky addresses on purpose. So remember, “It’s not your fault.” When you get that uncomfortable feeling at a Web site, get out of there. Click the back button on your browser. Then tell your parent, guardian, or teacher and allow them to click on the site to gather necessary information to prevent this from happening to others.

People Change in Cyberspace

Most people have good manners face to face, but use rude words in cyberspace. They think in cyberspace it is okay to say things that they’d never say to someone face to face. Why? Maybe they think they can’t get in trouble in cyberspace. Maybe they think it makes them seem cool, or maybe when they’re behind a computer screen they just forget they’re talking to a real person.

If someone on the street makes you uncomfortable, you know to walk away and tell an adult. The same rule works in cyberspace. Ignore them, block them, or get offline, but make sure you tell an adult.

It’s Okay to Chat and IMRemember that cyberpals are not face to face

friends. You only know them from chatting on line. You can have good talks, sharing feelings, talking about problems that you might not want to share with friends at school. BUT, can you be sure that you really know if a cyberpal is male or female, your age or much older. The answer is NO. That’s the main difference between a cyberpal and a friend you know face to face. So always treat cyberpals as strangers. Never give them private information about yourself.

Be Cybersmart!Know the kinds of

information that are private:

Full nameStreet addressName of schoolSchool addressE-mail addressPhone number

PasswordsCalling card

numberMother’s maiden

nameParent’s place of

workPhotos in which

you can be recognized

Photos with school logos

Online Talk – Dos and Don’ts

Do stick to monitored chat rooms for kids.

Don’t use screen names that tell your name, age, or whether you’re a boy or a girl.

Don’t use screen names that are suggestive.

Don’t go into private, unmonitored chat rooms.

Since instant messaging is like private chat, do use it only with family and friends.

Don’t relax so much that you accidentally give out private identity information.

Don’t flirt with strangers. Don’t answer questions that

make you uncomfortable. Remember to listen for that inner alarm bell.

Do respond to the question “Are you alone:” with “NO” even if you are alone.

Do tell your parent or guardian if someone bothers you. Let them know if the person might have your private identity information.

Never plan to meet face-to-face with someone you met in a chat room.

Cyberspace Chatting Checklist

My parents say it’s okay for me to chat in cyberspace.

I will only go into chat rooms for kids that have monitors.

I will never reply to, or click on a link in an IM from someone who is not a face-to-face friend.

I will pick chat and messaging screen names that are different from my E-mail address.

My screen name does not tell my name, age, or whether I am a boy or girl

I know what kinds of information are private.I will not give out private information when

chatting.I will not answer questions that make me

uncomfortable.I will tell a trusted adult if someone bothers me

in cyberspace.I will never meet someone face-to-face that I

met in a chat room.I will never share my password with anyone,

not even my best friend.Remember you are at the controls and it is your

responsibility to practice safety on the Internet.