Explicit+Content+&+Viruses

Two other dangers lurking on the internet are **Explicit Content and Viruses**; however, these dangers no longer pose the same problem they once did. First, explicit content is not as prevalent as before due to groups dedicated to internet safety, such as Wired Safety (wiredsafety.org). These groups not only patrol the internet estimating the search parameters that children would use, and the shut down the websites that display explicit content, but they also display an array of information on their own websites for educators, students, and parents.

There are TWO things you must remember when searching the web in relation to explicit content.
 * First, explicit content goes both ways. While others can post content that should not be viewed by a young audience without the permission and/or guidance of their parents/guardians (the definition of explicit content), you can also be responsible for creating explicit content. What does this mean? The internet is FOREVER. Anything you post on the internet is there to stay, and at some point someone will find it. Today, MySpace and Facebook are two well-known blogs/social networking sites that adolescents use to stay in contact with each other and share information. But remember that what you post on websites like this one (personal info, thoughts, pictures, videos, etc.) will be on the internet forever and can be tracked. Who can see it? Future employers/college admissions, your children, your grandchildren... get the point?
 * Second, when you are searching the web you can either purposefully participate in explicit content or inadvertently participate in explicit content. When you are searching, be careful about the keywords you use because your search may lead to explicit content. If you have questions about keywords, ask your parents/guardians/teachers for help. However, if you deliberately search for something that you know will come back with explicit content, keep in mind that you are either welcoming hackers/scammers into your computer and/or opening yourself up to be penalized by your school.

Second, viruses are not as feared nowadays because of all the systems dedicated to keeping your computer clean, like MacAfee. These systems constantly run on your computer to keep viruses away, keep people from hacking into your files, and to limit the number of pop-ups that interrupt you while you're trying to search the web. However, there are places where you are not protected against these foes. Viruses can still break through your Firewall and infect your computer. You can also become the victim of hackers if you leave yourself open on the internet to identity theft (make sure to listen carefully to our suggestions on protecting yourself on the web). Identity Theft, Phishing, and other hoaxes still plague us when online. Make sure to pay close attention to emails that may be trying to trick you into clicking on a link or giving out personal information. These scammers could be trying to access info on your computer, to steal your personal information, or feed your computer an ugly virus that could eat your files or crash your computer. How do you protect yourself against scammers? Do not click on anything that seems suspicious, report any scams you do come across at wiredsafety.org, and never give out personal information on the internet (remember you never know who is watching).

Information provided by [|WiredKids, Inc.]