Email and IM. It is quick. Easy. Direct. But it is not always secure.

Keeping safe with email and IM:

Do not send sensitive photographs, personal, financial or confidential information via email or in an instant message (IM).
Ensure that online profiles do not contain personal identifying information: name, age, date of birth, address, phone number or school name. Use age and gender neutral names.
Always ask, "Would I say this to someone's face?" If not, do not say it in an email or IM.
Delete online contacts you do not recognize.
Give your cell number out only to people you know and trust. Never give anyone else's number out without permission. Do not post your cell phone number online.
Never reply to text messages or open attachments from people you do not know. If in doubt, delete the file and use the telephone.
Never take pictures of anyone with your cell phone or camera and post on the Internet without their permission.
Learn to recognize spam and delete it before reading. Do not forward or reply to spam. Close your preview panel.
Avoid clicking on links. Not all links are legitimate: they may contain malicious codes like viruses or they may redirect you to undesirable sites.
Use a primary email address for friends and family and use a secondary email address for all other purposes.
When sending emails to multiple recipients, place your personal email addresses in the Blind Carbon Copy (Bcc) area. This will prevent exposing their email address in cyber space.
Invest in protective software programs, anti-virus, firewall, spam blocker and antispyware technology. Keep them up-to-date to be sure they continue to do their job as new technologies evolve.
Be aware of your families email and IM activities. Explain that there is no expectation of privacy online and that kids should expect that parents may view their online activities to make sure they are safe. Ensure rules of good behavior remain intact when on the computer.