Here's a quick and easy-to-follow 10 point checklist for Teens to remain safe while functioning online. These 'must follow' rules are important for three very good reasons:

• Protection against becoming a victim of online predators.
• To avoid inadvertent or unexpected legal trouble caused by violating any one (or more) of the many new and very aggressive laws that are now being applied to all Internet users. Being caught in some cases could mean serious repercussions which include fines that total thousands of dollars and even jail time.
• To avoid damaging a fragile young reputation, both present and future. All too often a youthful indiscretion (i.e. bad judgement, little mistake) can result in future rejection for college, a scholarship, job, etc. ...and, may even plant the seeds for lifelong embarrassment or negatively impact social (e.g. friends) and personal (e.g. dating) relationships.

Therefore, based on these three very good reasons, here are the rules that must be followed to the letter, no exceptions!

1. Always respect others online. Never insult others or spread gossip. Remember that "jokes" often do not translate well online and that everything you write can be easily shared with anyone else—friends, enemies, authorities, parents—anyone! Always ask, "Would I be embarrassed or 'in trouble' if some specific person or authority saw what I posted?" ...if the answer is 'yes' then do not post it. Ever.

2. Do not upload (i.e. post) anything on the Internet such as pictures or videos without parental consent. Everything, once posted on the Internet, tends to stay there forever! Always remember, once something (a picture or video or even a comment) is uploaded to the Web, it can be copied over and over, manipulated, combined and mashed up into any creative form or digital format. It can be forwarded to others and take on a life of it's own and never really ever be removed. Before posting pictures of yourself or your friends online ask yourself if you would show that photo or video to your parents, or to an admissions department, the police, or to a future employer.

   Remember: There is no way to stop viral. One an image, video or written content has become so popular that it's being spread around the Internet, tweeted about or being shared on social media sites like Facebook or MySpace, there is absolutely no way to make it stop or take it back.

3. Be extremely cautious about what you download. Always remember that you are responsible for everything found on your computer's hard drive. Obviously that includes all pictures, videos, and content files. It also includes all files that are automatically downloaded behind the scenes into temporary directories when visiting Web sites. These are files which can be easily retrieved and viewed by simply knowing where to look. Therefore, you must be aware that inappropriate sites almost always leave behind traces that can spell trouble for teens. In addition, many of the so-called "free" downloads contain spyware, malware, viruses and worms—the effects of which can range from identity and credit card theft to turning the infected computer into a zombie spam-bot that automatically relays junk email. Bear in mind that illegal materials or malicious software found resident on a teen's computer can get both the teen and the parents into legal trouble.

4. The following three activities are illegal and will get you into serious trouble!

   • Hacking or unauthorized entry into another computer
   • Making physical threats online
   • Downloading pirated software, music, or movies

   None of the above is worth the risk of legal trouble that is likely to follow once the offense has been detected. And, everything you do on the Internet is remarkably EASY to trace!

5. Be sure to respect copyright laws. Never steal content from Web sites or use plagiarized material for homework assignments.
6. Check with a parent (or guardian) before buying, ordering or selling anything online.
7. Keep your Facebook, MySpace, and all other social media profiles private.
8. Do not become 'friends with' or share your online profile information with anyone you don't know unless approved in advance by a parent or guardian.

9. Talk to your parents about what you're doing online and be sure they know where you're spending most of your time.

10. Never share personal details in chat rooms, forums, newsgroups, blogs, or when using instant messaging UNLESS you have your parents permission and then ONLY if necessary! The information that you typically must shield from public view includes:

    • Your actual name; use an alias or 'screen name' to protect your identity.
    • Your gender; do not say whether you are a boy or a girl.
    • Your actual age; do not reveal how old you are.
    • Your address; don't tell them where you live.
    • Don't give out your personal e-mail address.
    • No pictures that reveal what you look like.
    • Never reveal credit card or payment information like PayPal.
    • Always keep ALL of your passwords a secret!

The Web provides a rich abundance of exciting and worthwhile social learning opportunities and advantages. But there is also a downside that requires all users, teen and adult, to stand guard over their personal information for their own protection. Always remember that the personality you project online is perceived as true! ...even if it isn't the real YOU.

Have fun, learn and grow—but be sure to always protect yourself FIRST!