Internet Safety Tips for Kids

The following safety measures were provided Monday at the Mansfield Middle School by Detective Scott Driscoll, of InternetSafetyConcepts.com:

• Never Share Personal Information

If a stranger drove up to you on the street, would you tell them your name, address and phone number? Most likely not; so don't post that information on social networking sites for strangers to see, Driscoll said.

• Don't Say or do Anything Online That You Wouldn't Say or do in Person

Watch this poignant video shown by Driscoll Monday night: http://bit.ly/14hhsw

• Don't Communicate With Strangers

Driscoll said during his time in law enforcement, he maintained a faux social media account to catch online predators. Driscoll said kids often ask him after presentations if he's someone they've been communicating with online. "If you have to ask me if I'm so-and-so, you're communicating with strangers," Driscoll said.

• Don't Share Your Passwords With Friends

"I don't think kids should be on social networking sites at the middle school age," Driscoll said. "But if they are, they should be sharing their passwords with you," he said.

• If Something Goes Wrong [Online], Tell a Trusted Adult Immediately

"One of the bravest, most mature things a kid could ever do is say 'I need help,'" Driscoll said. "Trust your judgment."