Be an Online Pro

As school gets started again, you may find yourself using the computer, tablet or cellphone more. Is your online self as wellbehaved as the offline you?

This week, The Mini Page reminds you how to be safe, courteous and responsible when using the internet.

Important skills

Do you know what competency is? It means an ability to do something well.

When kids or adults spend time online, we need to remember six competencies:

• Balance • Reputation

• Ethics • Relationships

• Privacy • Online security

Balance

Computers and smartphones have made it possible for people to talk with each other, find information and play games at any time of the day or night. Sometimes we get so excited about these possibilities that we spend too much time looking at a screen.

Experts suggest you use your electronics away from your bedroom. Don’t use them at the dinner table. Talk with your family instead.

Charge phones and other devices away from bedsides. Noise and light can disturb sleep, which can be unhealthy. Put electronics away one hour before bedtime.

Ethics

Ethics are rules that guide people’s behavior. You use ethics to decide whether something you do or say will hurt someone else.

When you are online, it’s important to remember that everything you post or any comment you make will live on forever. Your online self is a reflection of your “normal” self.

When you post, think about your audience. Who will see what you post? Even if you think you are posting anonymously, you may not be.

Remember that work done by other people cannot ethically be copied and presented as your work.

Privacy

Your cellphone can help someone else see where you are. For this reason, many families are choosing to turn off the location services on their phones.

It’s also important that you keep private information, such as your birthdate, address and phone number, off the internet.

Don’t share passwords or login names with anyone except your parents. Ask for permission from your parents before downloading any software or apps.

Don’t take photos of other people without their permission. Doing so can be a violation of their privacy.

Reputation

In just a few years, you may be applying to college or trying to get a job. Colleges and companies have started looking at social media to find out more about possible students or employees.

Ask your parents to review posts to Snapchat, YouTube or other social media before you post.

Relationships

Cellphones and social media keep us in touch with friends. But texts and emoji may not express very well what people are really feeling.

If someone posts something mean or hurtful to you, take some time to think about it before responding. Talk to an adult about how or whether you should respond at all.

Online security

Back up your computer frequently so you won’t lose work you’ve done. Ask your family to install protection against viruses and malware (damaging software). Use a wireless network password.