Illinois Attorney General Kids' Page
Child using computer

As a person using the Internet, you have lots of freedom and many options open to you. But more freedom also means more responsibility. While online, please respect other users and respect yourself: Be nice to people online, and do not give out any private information about yourself or your family. To keep you safe, your parents probably have their own guidelines for using the computer at home. It's important to follow those guidelines. Here are some additional tips to help you surf the Web safely.


1. Do not give out any personal information such as your address, your
telephone number, your parents' work address/telephone number, or the
name or location of your school without your parents' permission.

2. If you ever encounter something online that you do not understand or
makes you feel uncomfortable, tell a parent right away.

3. Never get together with someone you meet online without asking
for your parents' permission first. If you decide to meet, make sure
you meet in a public place and bring one or both parents along. Never
meet with someone you met online alone.

4. Do not send any pictures of yourself to anyone without your
parents' permission first.

5. Do not respond to any message that makes you feel uncomfortable.
It is not your fault if you get a message like that, and it is okay to tell
your parents no matter what it is.

6. Do not pick screen names that give away personal information.

7. Obey your parents' rules for computer and online use.
Always make sure it is okay before going online.

8. Remember that people may not be who they say they are.

