Being safe is nothing new for every person. The fact that most students own a cell phone and have access to the internet has raised the importance of being safe when using technology. Protecting yourself at all times when connecting with technology is so important in a global world.

Opportunities

Not matter what age, everyone needs to be safe. Protecting your passwords, usernames, PIN numbers, account numbers is a way of life. Medical and financial records being released to the wrong person can bring disaster. Educating everyone, no matter what age has become a priority.

Leaving a Digital Footprint

Each person’s use of technology leaves a record. A trail of where each person has been online or on the phone can be traced. The risk of inappropriate words, places, pictures, all have become a huge temptation. With 4.2 million appropriate sites available to anyone, has let to 78 million hits per month.

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Blocking software, filters, and school policies can protect you from going to the wrong sites. School handbooks protect you and the school district from lawsuits, if they are followed. However, the real protection from going to the wrong places, saying the wrong things, receiving the wrong

messages is you. Only you can prevent yourself from being at the wrong place at the wrong time, saying the wrong thing. There is no appropriate time to be at an inappropriate place, or saying an inappropriate word. Flaming someone, or posting a nasty pict or word can bring disaster.

The Best Filter for Info is You!

ONLINE SAFETYMR. BEDNAR, SCHOOL COUNSELOR ISSUE NO. 1

PLEASANTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Your use of technology explains who you are when no one is watching (or is someone watching?)

by Urna Semperand Trenz Pruca

• • •

Cell phones can provide safety to anyone, allowing you to call for help. They can also be used to connect instantly. Texting the wrong words, sending pictures without consent or knowledge can lead to lawsuits, invasion of privacy, and loss of reputation.

Who is vulnerable? Because of the anonymity that technology offers, anyone with a phone or internet connection can be a target for cyberbullying or internet theft. Bullies can reach much larger numbers within a peer group than they can with face to face encounters. Hateful words can lead to widespread and immediate gossip, destroying a reputation. Vindictive comments posted or sent, can be seen by large audiences in a short amount of time. Hate speech, damaging pictures can be similar to the discrimination and prejudice that took place in U.S. history. Attitudes of prejudice and intolerance have always been present in a culture, but with instant access to others, damaging comments can hurt someone in a seemingly anonymous manner. Even a comment meant as a joke could appear to others has hurtful, humiliating or as a form of harassment. Sending a message in a mood of frustration or irritation can appear to be threatening by the recipient. Being vigilant, protecting yourself and others at all times can enhance your reputation.

Employers often double check a job applicant’s background by exploring what has been posted online by the job candidate. If an employer asked you to show him/her your Facebook or other social networking site, what would they see? Each person’s job future is at stake when connecting to others online.

The effects of hateful or prejudiced comments can lead to a loss of confidence, depression, anger, not wanting to go to school, fear of talking to friends, and a loss of privacy. Compromising high standards of saying words, or looking at sites can ruin one’s online reputation, face to face friendships, and employment.

Reminders: It’s always wise to not give our personal information that could be misused. Protecting your passwords and personal identity can save you from a loss of money and a loss of reputation. Never post things you would not want your parents or grandparents to see. “ThinkB4Uclick”. Whatever you do online stays online....Forever. You can use technology to help you become the best educated person you can hope to be.........or you can use technology to ruin your future as well as the future of others.

Resources:

http://issuu.com/dcrobinson/docs/fighting_idtheft09

http://issuu.com/soissues/docs/teens--online-stranger-contact---cyberbullying---w

Simple Guidelines to Protect Yourself

1. You have a right to privacy (passwords, PIN).

2. Don’t respond to unwanted messages.

3. There are dishonest internet users wanting to use you and your identity

4. Be cautious online.

5. Report bullying to a trusted adult.

6. Your digital footprint is a permanent record.

7. When in doubt about what to do, log off. Don’t participate.

8. You are the best filter of info coming to you.

9. Don’t post picts. without permission

10. Keep your conscience clear.

FROM MR. BEDNARYou are the most connected generation in all of history. No one has ever had the opportunities that you have. Your educational and employment future is at stake when you are online. Your network of friends, family, and to valuable info can help or can hurt your future. Being wise is doing the right thing. Avoid being foolish by doing the wrong thing.

Mr. Bednar