Internet Safety 8

**Internet Safety and Media Literacy for Youth**

### Internet Safety

1. **Strong Passwords**: Always create strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid easily guessable information such as birthdays.

2. **Privacy Settings**: Adjust privacy settings on social media and other platforms to control who can see your information. Be cautious about sharing personal details like your location or phone number.

3. **Recognizing Scams**: Be aware of phishing attempts. Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments in emails or messages, even if they seem to come from someone you know.

4. **Safe Sharing**: Think before you share. Consider how sharing a photo or status update might affect you now and in the future, and who might see it.

5. **Be Skeptical**: Not everything you see online is true. Verify information through trusted sources before believing or sharing it.

6. **Cyberbullying**: Speak up if you or someone you know is being bullied online. Report bullying to the platform and reach out for support from friends, family, or trusted adults.

7. **Online Interactions**: Be cautious with whom you interact online. Avoid sharing personal information with strangers and understand that not everyone may have good intentions.

8. **Log Out Regularly**: Especially on shared devices, make sure you log out of accounts and clear browsing history to protect your privacy.

### Media Literacy

1. **Understanding Media**: Media literacy involves critical thinking about the content you consume. Question the purpose of a message and who created it.

2. **Analyzing Sources**: Not all news and information sources are trustworthy. Look for reputable sources, check for bias, and cross-reference information with other credible outlets.

3. **Recognizing Bias**: Understand that media can be biased. Analyze the language, image choices, and sources used in stories to identify any potential slant.

4. **Distinguishing Fact from Opinion**: Learn to differentiate between facts and opinions in media. Recognize that opinion pieces may not present objective truths.

5. **Evaluating Digital Content**: Consider the intentions behind advertisements and influencer posts. Assess what products are being sold and how the content is designed to persuade you.

6. **Understanding Copyright and Fair Use**: Familiarize yourself with copyright laws and the concept of fair use when sharing or using media created by others.

7. **Creating Your Own Media**: Develop skills to create your own videos, blogs, or social media content. Understand the responsibilities that come with being a creator, including accuracy and ethical considerations.

8. **Influencing Perspectives**: Acknowledge how media can shape opinions and behaviors. Reflect on how what you consume affects your views on various issues, including societal norms and personal values.

### Conclusion

By prioritizing internet safety and enhancing media literacy skills, youth can navigate the digital world more effectively and responsibly. Encouraging critical thinking and awareness will empower them to make informed decisions in an increasingly complex media landscape.