Internet Safety Basics

Introduction

Welcome to the Internet Safety Basics guide! This comprehensive resource is designed to help families of all ages understand and navigate the digital world safely. Whether you're a parent, child, or educator, this guide provides essential information to protect yourself and your loved ones online.

📚 What You'll Learn

Understanding common online risks and how to avoid them
Creating and managing strong passwords
Configuring privacy settings on devices and platforms
Practicing safe communication online
Recognizing and responding to online threats

Understanding Online Risks

Common Digital Threats

The internet offers incredible opportunities for learning, connection, and entertainment, but it also presents risks that everyone should understand:

Threat	Description	Who's at Risk
Cyberbullying	Harassment, threats, or humiliation through digital platforms	Children & Teens
Online Predators	Adults who build relationships with children for harmful purposes	Children & Teens
Phishing Scams	Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information	All Ages
Malware	Malicious software that can damage devices or steal data	All Ages
Identity Theft	Unauthorized use of personal information	Teens & Adults
Privacy Violations	Unauthorized collection or sharing of personal data	All Ages

⚠️ Remember

Not all online threats are obvious. Many dangers disguise themselves as friendly interactions, helpful messages, or exciting opportunities. Always maintain a healthy level of skepticism online.

Creating Strong Passwords

Password Best Practices

Strong passwords are your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts. Follow these guidelines to create secure passwords:

The Anatomy of a Strong Password

Length: At least 12-16 characters long
Complexity: Mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
Unpredictability: Avoid dictionary words, personal information, or common patterns
Uniqueness: Use different passwords for different accounts

Password Examples

Weak ❌	Strong ✅	Why It Works
password123	Tr0p!c@l$unset#2025	Long, complex, unpredictable
johnsmith	B1ueM0unta!n&Sk¥	No personal information, varied characters
12345678	P!zz@L0vers#7Cats	Memorable phrase with substitutions

💡 Pro Tip: The Passphrase Method

Create a memorable passphrase using random words combined with numbers and symbols:

Example: "Correct-Horse-Battery-Staple-2025!"

This is easy to remember but extremely difficult to crack.

Password Management

Use a Password Manager: Tools like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden can securely store and generate passwords
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords
Change Passwords Regularly: Update important passwords every 3-6 months
Never Share Passwords: Exception: parents may need access to children's accounts
Avoid Writing Passwords Down: Unless stored in a secure, locked location

Privacy Settings Overview

Device Privacy Settings

Every device you use should be properly configured to protect your privacy:

Essential Privacy Configurations

🖥️ Computers (Windows/Mac)

Create separate user accounts for each family member
Enable automatic updates for operating system and security software
Turn on firewall protection
Disable location tracking when not needed
Review app permissions regularly
Enable screen lock with password/PIN after inactivity

📱 Mobile Devices (iOS/Android)

Use Face ID, fingerprint, or strong PIN to unlock device
Review and limit app permissions (camera, microphone, location)
Disable app tracking and ad personalization
Turn off Bluetooth and WiFi when not in use
Only download apps from official app stores
Keep operating system and apps updated

Online Account Privacy

Social Media Privacy Checklist

Set profile to private (friends/followers only)
Review who can see your posts and personal information
Disable location tagging in photos
Turn off facial recognition features
Review and remove old posts that reveal personal information
Limit who can tag you in photos or posts
Regularly review and update friend/follower lists

🔍 Privacy Check Schedule

Set a reminder to review your privacy settings every 3 months. Platforms frequently update their settings, and new features may expose more information than intended.

Safe Communication Practices

General Communication Rules

Think Before You Share

Before posting, sending, or sharing anything online, ask yourself:

Would I be comfortable with everyone seeing this? (including parents, teachers, future employers)
Could this information be used to identify or locate me?
Could this hurt someone's feelings or reputation?
Am I sharing someone else's personal information?
Could I regret posting this in the future?

⚠️ The Permanence Principle

Once something is posted online, it can never be truly deleted. Screenshots, archives, and shares can preserve content forever. Always assume that anything you post will be permanent.

Information You Should NEVER Share Online

Full name and date of birth
Home address, school name, or workplace address
Phone number or email address (in public posts)
Social Security number or financial information
Passwords or login credentials
Travel plans (especially while away from home)
Real-time location information
Photos that reveal your location or daily routines
Personal conflicts or family issues

Communicating with Others

For Children & Teens

Talk to trusted adults about people you meet online
Never meet online friends in person without parent permission and supervision
Be cautious of compliments or gifts from people you don't know well
Block and report anyone who makes you uncomfortable
Don't accept friend requests from people you don't know

For Parents

Establish open communication with your children about their online activities
Know your children's online friends just as you would their in-person friends
Create family rules about online communication together
Monitor without invading privacy - build trust while maintaining oversight

💡 The Stranger Danger Rule Still Applies

If you wouldn't share information with a stranger on the street, don't share it with a stranger online. The internet doesn't change the basic safety rules we teach children about stranger danger.

Recognizing Online Threats

Warning Signs of Suspicious Activity

Red Flags in Messages

Urgent requests for personal information or money
Promises of prizes, rewards, or special offers that seem too good to be true
Requests to keep conversations secret from parents or authorities
Pressure to make quick decisions without time to think
Poor spelling, grammar, or formatting in professional communications
Mismatched email addresses or URLs (e.g., "paypa1.com" instead of "paypal.com")
Requests to download attachments or click suspicious links

Signs of Phishing

Legitimate	Phishing
From: support@amazon.com	From: support@amaz0n-security.com
Personalized greeting	Generic "Dear Customer"
No urgency or threats	"Act now or account will be closed!"
Secure company website link	Suspicious or shortened URL

What to Do If You Suspect a Threat

Don't click on links or download attachments
Don't respond to suspicious messages
Take a screenshot for evidence if needed
Report the suspicious activity to the platform
Tell a trusted adult (children and teens)
Contact the company directly using official contact information (not from the suspicious message)

Family Safety Agreement

Create a family agreement that everyone signs and commits to following. This helps establish clear expectations and opens communication channels.

Our Family's Internet Safety Rules

We will keep all passwords private (except with parents)
We will ask permission before downloading apps or making purchases
We will be kind and respectful in all online interactions
We will think before we post or share content
We will never share personal information publicly
We will use devices in common family areas
We will respect screen time limits and tech-free times
We will tell a trusted adult if something makes us uncomfortable
We will not meet online friends in person without parent approval
We will regularly review and update our privacy settings together

Family Members' Signatures:

______________________________________ Date: __________

Quick Reference Guide

Emergency Contacts

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678
Cybertipline (Report Child Exploitation): www.cybertipline.org
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov
Local Police Non-Emergency: ____________________

Do's and Don'ts Quick List

DO ✅	DON'T ❌
Use strong, unique passwords	Share passwords with friends
Enable two-factor authentication	Click on suspicious links
Keep software updated	Download from untrusted sources
Use privacy settings	Share personal information publicly
Think before posting	Post when emotional or angry
Verify sender identity	Trust messages claiming urgency
Report suspicious activity	Respond to threatening messages
Talk to trusted adults	Keep online problems secret