Internet Safety

I learned that it really is so easy to get your identity stolen. The problem is, there's a lot of things we can't do to prevent it, so with those things we can do (such as reducing the amount of information you make available online) we should be extra careful.

As a teacher and soon-to-be-parent, I understand better the implications of putting kids' information online. If I ever require my students to do things online, I will be very careful not to require any personal information other than their name.

As a teacher I will be facing internet safety issues anytime I require students to do research online or visit my class website. I will be sure that I only direct them to safe places and that I never as for personal information.
I think another problem that we see in social networking is that some people tend to let their guard down or create relationships over the internet that are too open. I will never "friend" a student on facebook or allow them to see my personal blog (I've talked to teachers and students will find them and stalk them--it's weird).

I talked to a girl who is 21 and has a facebook page and she has taken a few precautions as well, such as not giving the year of her birthday, not posting her address or phone number, etc. She was surprised to find out that with only your name, birthdate, and place of birth someone can steal your identity, so she seemed very interested to be careful when posting such information.