10 Online Safety Tips

The Internet is an awesome and easy way to have fun, learn new things, and make new friends because it connects people, places, and information from all over the world. However, what makes the Internet engaging can also make it dangerous.

That's why we encourage you as a parent to discuss these 10 Online Safety Tips with your child. It is important to actively participate in your child's online safety. Feel free to print these tips and place them near the computer as a reminder to your child (and to you) that online safety must always be taken seriously.

1. Never give out your personal information online OR offline, Would you tell a stranger who you are or where you live? No way! Never give anyone your whole name, last name, age, address, telephone number, email address, or instant message account, and never share anyone else's personal information either. Remember that personal information also includes the name of your school, favorite hangout(s), and names of your friends.
2. Don't use your real name as part of your screen name: Kids may think their screen name is super creative, but if it says too much about them it could be used to find out more information about them or for some negative purpose. Grown-ups can keep an eye on screen names by helping their child choose a discreet screen name that he or she likes best - it's a fun thing to do together, and it helps to keep children safe.
3. Never share credit card numbers, and always get permission to buy things: Grown-ups, if you have provided your child with a credit card to pay for online charges, make sure he or she knows never to share those numbers with anyone online and to always check with you before buying anything.
4. Keep your password to yourself: Giving out your password is like giving your keys to a stranger! Do you want them going through your stuff while you're not home or take things when you're not looking? No way! The same goes for your stuff online.
5. Read the rules and follow them: Football has specific rules that every player must follow. NFLRush, also has specific rules so that all users can have fun online in a safe way. Please read the NFLRZ rules. If you don't understand any of them, ask questions. Breaking the rules ruins everyone's fun and could easily get you suspended or expelled from the site.
6. Only share stuff that you don't mind everyone seeing or knowing: Anything you share online could be seen by your teachers, your parent(s) or legal guardian, your friends, and even that guy in your science class who snorts when he laughs. The things you share online can cause hurt feelings or worse. Remember, once something has been posted to a web site or sent using email you can't take it back. We encourage NFLRZ users to show concern for other online users just as NFL players are encouraged to demonstrate concern for their teammates and good sportsmanship toward other players.
7. Keep your photos offline: Photos show people exactly who you are and what you look like, and you have no control over how a photo may be used, amended and even re-posted by others. Play it safe and keep pictures offline, and do not accept pictures from other users. If you see any inappropriate photos or images, or any other materials that you think are offensive, report them? to NFLRush immediately.
8. Never download stuff unless you know it's safe: Downloads can mess with your computer, put viruses on your hard drive, and steal information from you. Stop and think twice before you download anything, even if you think it's ok to do -- it can cost you time and money. Better safe than sorry!
9. Keep your online friendships online: There are all kinds of cool people online, but not everyone is always who they claim to be and not everyone is reliable. It is generally not a good idea for any child to meet up in the outside world with someone they know from an online site, no matter how nice they seem.Grown-ups, talk to your child about the importance of telling you if he or she has been asked to meet someone in-person, and never let your child meet anyone unless accompanied by you or another trusted adult.
   
10. Tell an adult if you feel unsafe, or just aren't sure about stuff: If someone or something online is making you feel uncomfortable in any way, immediately tell a parent or guardian, teacher, or police officer. Grown-ups, make sure that children understand that they will never be punished for sharing their feelings of discomfort or asking for help.