SMARTthinking

Stop! Think! Go!

S = Secret
This is about personal information and whether it is safe to give it out. For example, it might apply to an on-line registration form or someone requesting contact details so they can send you a prize.
WHO wants the information?
WHY are they asking for it?
WHAT will they do with it?

STOP and THINK

M = Meeting
This is about someone you have never met before contacting you on line or through a messaging service to invite you to a meeting.
WHY should you NEVER arrange to meet anyone you have only met on line?
WHAT might happen?
WHO should you tell?

STOP and THINK

A = Attachments
This is about e-mail and attachments and what you need to think about before opening them.
WHO sent it?
WILL it be safe to open it?
WHAT can I do to protect myself and the computer?

STOP and THINK

R = Reliable
Anyone can put anything on the internet and anyone can use the communication technologies (such as, chat, SMS, e-mail, IM) to contact others.
WHETHER I can rely on information on the web sites to be true.
WHETHER I can rely on someone I can't see telling me the truth.
WHAT can I do to check?

STOP and THINK

T = Tell
No matter how careful we are, sometimes we come across things that upset us.
WHAT can I do when web sites and messages make me feel uncomfortable?
WHO can I tell?
WHAT can I do to stop it happening again?

STOP and THINK

Internet Proficiency

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