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Using a
message board safely
Message
boards can be great fun, but you must follow the following rules to use
it safely. Remember that once you post a message, it's there for the
whole world to see, so don't let people know too much about you. Follow
these rules every time you use the message board:
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Ø Don't use
your real name. Make up a new nickname and use that as your new
"web name" instead.
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Ø Never give
away any of your personal details, such as your telephone number, home
address, e-mail address, school class or any of your computer
passwords.
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Ø Never give
away your friends or your family's personal details either.
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Ø Never ever arrange
to meet anyone you befriend on the net. Always let your parents or an
adult know straight away if someone has asked to meet you.
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Ø If you feel
uncomfortable or upset with anything you see on a message board, always
tell your parents or an adult straight away.
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Guidance for
parents
Message
boards and chat rooms are now a big part of daily life. The chances are
that your kids are already using them at school and know more about them
than you. Rather than trying to stop them going on-line, it's much more
important to educate them on safe usage. The following tips may help:
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Ø Let them know
the safety rules (shown above). Remind them of these rules regularly,
until they understand fully and the rules become habit.
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Ø If they are
new to the Internet, monitor them using message boards until you feel
happy with their behaviour. You may still wish to monitor them at
regular intervals thereafter.
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Ø Discuss
potential dangers with them in a positive light; help them understand
why rules of safety are so important.
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Ø Take an
interest in their online activity. Ask them who they've been talking to
and what they've talked about.
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Ø Give them
confidence in you. Let them know that they can talk to you about any
issues they may have without the fear of them "having a row".
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