Protect yourself when networking online:

Keep personal identifying information (name, age, date of birth, address, phone number, photographs, school name) off websites and social networking sites.
Use gender and age neutral names when online. Use nicknames that are different from screen names.
Be modest. Go slow. Flirting online is not advised.
Be cautious when using photos. Photos can be removed and used by third parties. Be mindful how a photo represents you.
Exit from conversations that make you feel uncomfortable or at risk. Do not worry about offending anyone in this situation and block senders from future contact.

Stay safe online:

Do not reply to glaring or harassing messages. Right and wrong is the same on the Internet as it is in real life.
When sending personal information, send it as a "personal message" rather than as a "comment". Comments are visible to the public.
Keep online friendships in the virtual world. Online friends may not be who they say they are.
Stay in the public area in chat rooms. Stay out of private or whisper sessions. Do not get talked into web camera conversations with strangers.

Be an online guest and experience the sites and chat rooms that you allow your children to visit.
Know the user name and password for your child's social networking sites and email accounts.
View your child's profile on a regular basis as everything on the Internet is public. Nothing stays confidential. Stress that the same rules apply to cellphones that have Internet access.
Always be involved in your family's Internet activities.