Back-to-School Internet Safety Tips

Since there can never be too many reminders for kids on how to stay safe online, here are seven from the Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan. She joined with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Microsoft, Best Buy and the Geek Squad, and an Illinois retail association to spread the word on safe online practices. Best Buy and other retailers will be distributing 20,000 mouse pads emblazoned with these seven tips during Back-to-School shopping days:

• Never post personal information online.

• Don't put strangers on your buddy list.

• Don't post potentially embarrassing images of yourself online.

• Remember that anyone can read blogs.

• Communicate only with friends and family.

• Tell your parents if you receive anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

• Think before you post any information about yourself—a message long touted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

All good advice, nothing groundbreaking. But the more reminders to young kids and teens, the better.

For more tips for parents, teens, and younger kids, take a look at the AG's pointers in these longer docs. Then check out the post link below to see why just telling kids not to post personal information is merely the start of what should be an ongoing conversation.

Study: Online Safety Warning for Kids Need Work