Being extra cautious when using the Internet is important; I bet your parents have mentioned these so many times already. But why? If your parents have missed explaining them to you, then here are those:

Don't...

Give any private information about yourself to other people you meet online such as your name, home address, phone number, email address, password, school information, and bank or credit card number.

Why?

Online predators use instant messaging and chat rooms to look for kids like you who are open to giving information about yourselves. The information would then be used against you whether for financial or sexual purposes. Making sure that they don't know things about you keeping you safe. So, if a stranger asks you these things, ignore them immediately.

Don't...

Reply to, download attachment from, or open spam.

Why?

Replying to spam only confirms that your email address is accurate which results to more spam to come. Spam is a good source of computer viruses so unless you want to crash your computer down and lose all your files, never download attachment from spam. What is the best way to avoid spam? Delete it immediately.

Don't...

Arrange a personal meeting with anyone you meet online.

Why?

People aren't exactly who they say they are online. There may be several nice guys out there but a significant number of people using the internet particularly the instant messaging and chat rooms are online predators that so betting say no immediately. Never hide from your parents if you are asked by a stranger to schedule a meeting with them.

Don't...

Change the security setting or filtering software that your parents have configured.

Why?

Your parents know what are good and bad for you and they know what sites are right for your age. Okay, you may be growing up and are curious about adult websites or engage in online activities but still, you shouldn't suppose to visit them. If you really want to know things about sexuality, then visit medical sites. Also, if you change your computer's security settings or disable filtering software, you can attract spyware, adware, and computer virus which may affect the performance of your computer and may put your files at risk.

Don't...

Use peer-to-peer file-sharing programs.

Why?

Sharing files using peer-to-peer file-sharing programs may be the best thing in the world for you but remember this: viruses, spyware, and adware are known to thrive in these programs. Avoid using these programs and you avoid all these internet-based threats.