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Staying S.M.A.R.T The internet is a fab place to hang out, play games and even a good place to get homework help! Hey, it's so great that you're even using it right now! But it's still really important that you know how to use the internet safely, and a simple way to have fun is to stick to these S.M.A.R.T rules... S (Keep SAFE!) NEVER give anyone your personal information or any of your friend's information. This even includes your real name. ALWAYS use a nickname. M (MEETING up) NEVER meet up with ANYONE you've met on the internet, however friendly or trustworthy they seem. If you really need to meet up with one of your buddies (and I mean really, REALLY need!), make sure you have a responsible adult's permission. Arranging to meet someone you have met online is extremely dangerous, however long you've known them, so make sure you don't go alone and arrange to meet in a public place. This way, if they do turn out to be a weirdo, they'll have less of an opportunity to harm you. (Tell me more...) A (ACCEPTING) You can easily let a virus onto your computer if you download an untrustworthy file, open a bad email, or by clicking a link from somebody you don't know or trust. DON'T open or reply to junk or SPAM mail. If someone has your email address, they might sell your information to other organisations who will want to send you loads of junk. Delete any emails from people that you don't know personally, or organisations you never wanted to know more about. (Tell me more...) R (RELIABLE) Instant Messaging, Chat rooms and message-boards can be a good way of keeping in touch with your mates, but what about those who you don't know? ALWAYS treat somebody you've met online as a STRANGER, no matter how much you think you know them. They could be telling the truth, but it is also likely they might not be who they say they are. (Tell me more...) T (TELL someone) ALWAYS tell a responsible adult if you feel worried about anything you find on the internet. It's really easy to come across a bad site by mistake so they won't be mad at you. You can keep a record of anybody or anything that might be making you feel uncomfortable, then report them to your ISP or even the police! Don't forget that you can always leave the website, change your screen-name or block another user. (Tell me more)