Be smart and stay safe

Safety on the internet runs on a two-way street. Just as you need to be smart and alert to online threats, you also need to keep parents and guardians informed about what you're doing so they don't overly restrict your internet time. Opennessss is a much smarter way of protecting your freedom than secretive surfing. 

Security software company Symantec and cyber-safety education organisation NetSafe run regular Family Online Safety sessions to discuss the safety problems children and teenagers have while using the internet. At the most recent session, the topics discussed included the need for parents to set ground rules for using the internet and the need for them to communicate with you about everything you experience while using the internet.
We at actv8 think it's a good idea for teenagers to talk to their parents about what you see on the web and to follow the basic security tips recommended by the experts. But we also think it's important for you to ‘train' your parents to understand that banning you from using the internet because of the possible dangers won't work, and that talking about the dangers is far more productive than trying to prevent you from using this valuable tool altogether. Just because the internet might not have existed for a big chunk of your parents' lives doesn't mean that they should try to prevent you from using it. But openness with them is far better than secrecy and censorship.
Nevertheless, teenagers and parents alike need to be sensible about using the internet, so here are our top 10 safety tips.

actv8's top 10 internet safety tips

1. Install security software that blocks threats designed to target weak spots in your PC's set up.

2. When buying security software, look for what it protects you against - virus protection is not enough. Check that it gives you everything you need to keep your PC secure. It should protect you whenever you use your PC to buy something from a website, as well as protecting your data and keeping your PC running smoothly.

3. Find out if the product you're looking at is backed by internet threat detectors, and protects you from emerging threats such as online fraud, bots, ‘drive-by' downloads and other malware and crime-ware. You are then free to shop, bank and socialise online without worry.

4. Check what kind of support the product offers, as you never know when you may need help. Good security software has chat support and even allows the company's engineers to remotely take control of your PC, with your permission, to fix security problems.

5. Renew your software subscription and keep it updated. Install any updates and security patches before using the internet and keep your internet browser up to date with the latest patches. Most companies announce threats and weaknesses as they are discovered and quickly work to fix them with their software and security ‘patches'.

6. Make sure your computer is set up with the correct security settings for the operating system, internet browser and security software you use.

7. Regularly create copies of the files you care about and keep them somewhere safe.

8. Use a password manager to keep your information secure and safe. Choose strong passwords. Good security software has identity protection tools, which speed up form-filling on websites but which also keep your personal information safe. It should also tell you if your passwords are weak or strong and suggest you alter them if they are weak.

9. Keep your internet security firewall turned on.

10. Don't click on any news links or gossip emailed to you by people you don't know. The links might contain file downloads or take you to websites that will attempt to install malicious software on your PC. Think about it: when was the last time a complete stranger sent you anything useful by email? Chances are, never!

Sourcurcurce: Symantec/NetSafe/actv8

Play safe: train your parents!

Year 13 student Phoebe Harrop has some level-headed tips to ensure your parents don't try to overly restrict your internet use in the mistaken belief that they have to be cruel to be kind.

"Hi, my name is Phoebe, and I use the internet." Doesn't sound too bad, does it? But these days, even if it appears to be related to doing your homework or academic research, accessing the internet conjures up dark and dangerous images.
Since the invention of computers and the internet towards the end of the 20th century, most of the world has embraced the wonderful communication and information advantages the technology allows us. Young people have become more and more adept at using computers, while older people become more and more amazed but no less confused. It's finally something we delinquent youths have over our parents!
While this makes us smug and our parents slightly envious, we're all becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of internet usage. From pornography and dodgy dating sites to bloggers who share all the details of everyday life (whether juicy, insightful or mind-numbing), the internet provides a medium for anyone and everyone to learn about, listen to and even watch other people.
While savvier teenagers are aware that sites like Bebo or Facebook are pretty safe if you use them sensibly, our parents often aren't. And as much as you may annoy your olds by messing up your bedroom, refusing to do your housework or teasing your siblings, they want to do everything they can to protect you.

Sit down and talk
Before you're banned from using the internet by your well-meaning but safety-conscious parents, you ought to sit down with them and discuss their concerns. Explain to them that you're neither selling their possessions one by one on Trade Me, nor meeting potential partners over the net. Make it clear that Facebook really is harmless - if potentially addictive.
To help your parents along the way to internet acceptance, the people at Bebo have created a website, www.safesocialnetworking.com, and, yes, you've guessed it, it contains tips about staying safe while still making the most of social networking sites. There are even videos with titles such as ‘Stay safe: manage privacy settings' and ‘Respect your online community'. A visual poem, ‘Beat bullying', features various British celebrities. In short, this website contains all the elements necessary for an entertaining and informative night of parent-teenager bonding.
If you show your parents how you use the internet, they'll probably be more inclined to let you do it. In fact, they may even want to create a Bebo page themselves. At this point, stop educating them.

Family resources
n www.symantec.com/norton/familyresources/index.jsp - Security software company Symantec's resources
n www.cybersafety.org.nz/conference08/ - NetSafe: Cyber Safety Conference 2008
n www.netsafe.org.nz - NetSafe's own website, with resources for young people, adults, parents and caregivers and the education sector

What do you think?
Do you have any internet safety tips? What about training your parents to let you look at safe websites and use the internet under supervision - good idea, or not? Drop us an email and give us your thoughts: heyyouguys@actv8.co.nz.