How to be safe while using the internet

I remember reading an article at school previously about a girl in New York who was talking to someone she had just met on Myspace.  She thought this person was her age.  Unfortunately, this person was not her age.  He invited her to meet him at the back of the mall, which was somewhat isolated.  When she arrived, he threw her in his car and raped her.  This event could have been avoided if she would have just never accepted the friend request from a stranger.

I personally have a Myspace page but I think it is safe as long as you take precautionary measures and use common sense.  You should inform your parents or another trusted adult if you are asked too many questions online or if a conversation turns sexual or harassing.  You really have to be careful with who you share you information.  Do not accept friend requests from people you do not know and if you do, do not provide information regarding identity, such as your name and address.   You should also never meet people face-to-face and especially not in a secluded area.  Likewise, do not ask some one you do not know to be your friend.  Limit your friend invites and acceptances to those people that you have either met in person or are acquaintances of your friends.  Another option is for you to set your profile to private, which means that only you and your friends can view your profile.  Do not ever tell someone you do not know that well where you live.  You must always remember to take precaution when using the internet, especially on Myspace, Face Book, AIM and other chat rooms.

When using the internet, beware of what you are doing and ensure that you do not share too much information about yourself.  Report any unusual conversations that you have to an adult.  You must be careful to safeguard yourself from becoming a victim and ending up like the other thousands of kids that have been raped, assaulted, and molested.