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Answer this question honestly: Do you use MySpace.com or do you have friends who use MySpace.com? If you answered “yes” to either question, make sure you’re using the Internet safely. This is true for any site where you can post personal information. As hard as it might be to believe, there are some strange individuals out there. Be safe when you use the Internet and protect yourself from becoming a victim. Below are a few tips to stay safe.
- Protect Your Identity. Don’t post anything that would enable a stranger to locate you. This includes information such as your last name, your school name, your town name, places where you hang out, etc. Think before you provide information and ask yourself, will this tidbit identify who I am or where I live?
- Protect your info. If you use a blog service like MySpace.com make sure you can control who visits your profile or blog. Only allow those people whom you trust. If you don’t have this control in place, anyone can see your info.
- Password protected. To ensure the safety of passwords, never provide your password to anyone.
- Photos are cool, but think before you post. Whatever you decide to post on the Internet is downloadable by anyone and can be passed around for pretty much forever. You never know who might take your picture and digitally alter it and post it on hundreds of other sites. Avoid posting sexually suggestive photos. Would you want your grandparents to see the photo or a future employer?
- Never meet someone you don’t know in person. Never get together with someone you “met” through a blog. If for some reason you decide to ignore this piece of advice, make sure you set up a meeting in a public place, bring some friends along and tell a trusted adult where you’re going and what you’re doing.
- Be safe in chat rooms. If you go into a chat room, use a name that is gender neutral, such as Sam or Pat. By doing this you are less likely to receive pornographic material or other forms of harassment. If you do receive pornographic material, report it to your local Police Department. Also remember, not everyone may be who they say they are. For example you might meet a 14-year-old girl from Florida who actually is a 40-year-old man from Washington.
Posted 2-20-06
Do you have a question?  As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Please read our full  .
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