User talk:Kofisha/Sandbox

15. Know your text shortcuts.
Codes such as ASL and LMIRL can really concern you in chat rooms and other places. Here is a list of codes and their meanings - but this isn't all of them.

ASL (Age-Sex-Location) The person is asking you to give out your age, gender, and city.

LMIRL (Let's Meet In Real Life) The person wants you to actually see them in person!

MOS (Mom Over Shoulder) The mother of the chatter is viewing the chat every few minutes.

DOS (Dad Over Shoulder) The father of the chatter is viewing the chat every few minutes.

WTF (What The f***!) Someone is so surprised, they let out a cuss word.

OMG (Oh My Gosh! or Oh My God!) A post has been made that was shocking.

LHS (Let's Have Sex) The person wants to sexually kiss you and do other sexual stuff.

2H4U (Too Hot For You) The person is stating that he/she is too pretty to be your lover.

BFGF (let's be Boyfriend and Girlfriend) The person wants you to go out with him/her.

14. Don't give out your name.
That's common sense. If you don't give out your name, you are less likely to have your identity stolen. And if you do give it out, think about what that other person might do with it.

13. Report sexual invitations.
Most chat rooms have a link to report cussing and other things. If someone asks you to have online sex, don't accept it! Report it immediately and tell a trusted adult. Otherwise, if you accept, and someone asks you to meet at the mall (or a similar place), that cute 15-year-old girl could really be a 45-year-old man!

12. Watch out for "innocent bystanders".
Some people act anonymous for a reason. Don't tell anyone your school name, your website, your soccer team's name, e.t.c. or someone who seemed curious could track you down and damage your reputation or use your name to say dirty - or even illegal - things.

11. People don't mean everything they say.
Remember that happy little boy who swore he was 18? Well, he may as well be a thirty-year-old con who's trying to get a better life using another identity. If you aren't sure, don't reply and certainly don't give any info out.

10. Don't use Facebook, MySpace, or other social networking sites.
Sites like MySpace ask you to give out personal information, such as your full name, your e-mail address, and your photo. If you avoid using these websites, you have a 75% chance less of getting an identity theft. Sadly, however, if you delete your profile, it's still there...like it or not.

9. Keep in touch with your parents.
Believe it or not, parents can decide whether or not sites are safe! Sites that require your first and last name can be used in crimes - such as ruining your financial future, kids. Have a parent review the site to see if it's safe before you sign up.

8. Don't do hazing.
Hazing is a form of cybernetic bullying that is illegal. It requires you to do some dangerous - or even prison-bound - things to join a group. ''Don't do this. It can put you in jail. Report hazing immediately.''

7. Talk to an expert.
Police departments usually have full-time crews that do nothing but review the internet. Go see your local cops and ask for one of them to talk to you about safety online.

6. The 'free stuff' ads are fake. Don't use them.
We've all seen the big ads on sites that say, 'You've won a FREE iPod Touch!' or something like that. DON'T USE THEM! They are really only people trying to get money - and identities.

5. Passwords are passwords. They are yours alone.
There was a girl who passed on a Webkins(copyrighted) password to her friend. Her friend passed it on to another girl, who changed it. The first girl lost access, and wasted 11 dollars on a game. See, keep them to yourself. That's what they're for.

4. Know who you are chatting with.
Friends usually won't try and steal your identity. If Jim knows he's talking to his friend Jill, he isn't at a very high risk to theft.

3. and 2. Keep your age and address away from internet people.
Duh! They just want to use Yellow Pages and find your identity - then use it against you.

1. Don't ever give out ANY personal information to anyone on the internet!
Strangers are asking your for your ASL (see above). Well, say NO! Those people may be curious, but don't risk it. It can be your future. Take care!