Image by arneheijenga via Flickr

The online world is an integral part of our everyday life. Entire industries have been created and even destroyed because of the Internet. The Internet is the social center of so much of a teen’s life. It keeps them in constant touch with pop culture, fashion trends and relationships. With so much of our lifestyle associated with the Internet, it’s easy to forget it is also full of pitfalls.

Teens who have grown up with the Internet often take it for granted because it’s always been there their entire lives like cell phone and iPods. The Internet, however, is an open portal into your home and often directly into you teen’s room. Here are some common sense safety tips for teens

• Don’t give out personal information. Chat with your buddies and schoolmates online, but strangers who want to ‘friend’ you don’t deserve to know anything personal about you. Don’t share your address, phone number or any financial information. Feel free to say no and block people who want to know too much..
• Be careful of photos and videos you share online. Regardless of your trust in friends to keep something private, it only takes one click to forward images and files to hundreds. If you wouldn’t want your parents, teacher or friends to see them, don’t share them.
• The Internet has a memory. Any posting, blog, photo, you share online has the potential to be there forever. Think before you post.

Stay safe online.