Inappropriate material
There are large amounts of material available via websites, newsgroups, peer-to-peer networks, emails and instant messaging services that is sexually explicit, offensive, violent, or encourages dangerous or illegal activities. This can often be accessed inadvertently when searching for other information. ACMA (Australian Communications & Media Authority) can be contacted to complain about online content that you believe is prohibited by law.
Cyberbullying
Users can be bullied or harassed through internet services such as email, chat rooms, instant messaging, social networks, or websites. This can include teasing, spreading online rumours and sending unwanted or threatening messages or defamatory material. Support services such as Kids Helpline or Bullying no way can provide assistance and advice in dealing with these issues.
Privacy
Internet users are often prompted to post private information about themselves online, including their name, address, photographs, phone numbers, school name and details of friends or family. This can result in the user being the target of spam, advertising materials and/or viruses. Children in particular should be aware that they need to ask a parent or guardian before they give anyone on the Internet their personal details. Once information is posted online it is very difficult to remove.
Spam
Unwanted email messages are known as Spam - these can be inappropriate, offensive or contain computer viruses. They often promote products or services, or may just be from a "friend". Responsing to these messages can often lead to further messages. The simplest was to deal with spam is not to respond to any message from unknown sources, and not to click on any links in the email. Complaints about spam can be directed to ACMA and further information is available at www.spam.acma.gov.au
Unreliable Information
Although there is a wide range of wonderful and valuable research information available online, the information on many websites is misleading, out of date, biased or incorrect. Care should be taken to determine who is publishing the material you are accessing, and whether they are a reputable source. if you are looking for research material try using one of the databases that the library subscribes to as the sources of this material has already be checked.
Cyber Rules for young library users
- Think before you post information online - once posted it's difficult to remove
- Ask your parent/guardian before you give anyone on the internet your name, address or any personal details.
- Be careful who you trust online. Some people you meet online may not be who they say they are.
- Always keep your password a secret.
- Set your profile to "private" so that your personal information is kept secret.
- Don't open messages from people that you don't know. These could contain viruses, unplesant content or be trying to sell you something.
- Tell an adult you trust if you are upset by language, pictures or anything scary on the internet. If you don't like what you see on a site, leave it immediately.
