Online Safety Tip By Dr. Oz

I read this and it applies to adults as well as youth.

5 tips to keep teens safe online (Examiner, August 3, 2011, p. 25)

Doing goofy things online— even if you’re not a politician — can get you into plenty of trouble. With one click, you or someone you love can send a harsh word, a wild photo or worse into cyberspace, where it will stay forever—and one day come back to haunt you.

If you see your children or grandchildren spending more time on Facebook than face to face with you, you’re right to be worried they might wind up in a situation they’ll regret. The Internet’s like a tattoo on your forehead — visible for all to see and almost impossible to remove.

So, here are some tips from our new book, “YOU: The Owner’s Manual for Teens,” that can help keep your loved ones safe online:

1. Don’t email when angry. Really! Don’t hit “send” until you’re calm. You can’t take back what’s in print.
2. Put photos to the Grandma test. Don’t upload any pics you wouldn’t want your grandmother, a college admissions officer or a future employer to see. Because they will.
3. Keep personal info private. Don’t reveal your school, where you live or any detail making it easy for strangers to find you. That goes double for photos of your private parts. Don’t send them to anyone, even best friends.
4. Don’t friend someone you don’t know. When in doubt, leave ‘emout. Do you really want a stalker on your page?
5. Feeling cyber-bullied? Or harassed? If something doesn’t feel right, tell a parent or school guidance counselor. You don’t have to take it!