Cyber Rules

Simple rules and guidelines for safety, etiquette, and excellence online (the Web, cyberspace, online shopping, IM, chat rooms, email, messageboards, etc.).

Kids, Teens, and Parents Online

I'm a programmer but I'm also a parent.

• For kids: Have a few simple rules that are easy to remember. Rules, not long-winded speeches.
• For teens: The same rules apply, but once you're 18 you're responsible for yourself.
• For parents:
  • Rules are not a replacement for relating with your offspring, checking on them, and educating them.
  • Minors are human beings and have an increasing need for privacy and trust as they get older.

Safety

• Don't give out personal information like your real name, age, phone number, address, or your photo.
• Don't buy anything online without a guardian.
• Don't download stuff besides pictures and PDFs.
• Don't click on a link in an email.
• Beware of links that take you off site.

Etiqette

• Try to behave online as you would in real life.
• Don't type in ALL CAPS. IT CAN BE VERY TIRING.
• In casual online communications, don't correct someone else's spelling, grammar, or punctuation.

Excellence

• Learn and practice touch typing until it is intuitive.
• Use a mouse or equivalent until it is intuitive.
• Use Wikipedia [wikipedia.org], the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.
• Use Google [google.com].
• If you have to choose between real life or cyber life, choose real life.

Safety Online

• Assume that anything you say (type, do, post, access, etc.) online (the Web, cyberspace, online shopping, IM, chat rooms, email, messageboards, etc.) is permanenently recorded and may turn up for the whole world to see soon or anytime in the future.
• Online shopping:
  • Use a separate email for online shopping.
  • Use a separate credit card for online shopping.
  • Ensure the site is who they say they are. A Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) padlock in the browser helps.
  • Ensure that your info is encrypted during transmission. A SSL prefix for the address (https://) helps.
• Don't download stuff besides pictures and PDFs. Executables (.exe) in particular are high risk.
• Don't click on a link in an email. Especially not from a supposed bank or porn site.
• Beware of links that take you off site. The text may say one thing but the link may differ.

Etiqette Online

• Try to behave online as you would in real life.
• Don't type in ALL CAPS. IT CAN BE VERY TIRING.
• In casual online communications, don't correct someone else's spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
• If you are new to a message board, then read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
• If you are going to radically change the subject, then don't hijack, but rather start a new subject.
• Use a meaningful title on your email/post/comment. "IMPORTANT!!!!" or "Please read" aren't useful -- they just look like spam.
• Keep communications between as few people as possible. For example, don't send to the group when you can send to one person.
• Cyber shorthand can be convenient but mind your audience. Only the most common ones (like FYI for "for your information") will be known by broader audiences.

Excellence Online

• Learn and practice touch typing until it is intuitive.
• Use a mouse or equivalent until it is intuitive.
• Use Wikipedia [wikipedia.org], the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit. Share your knowledge with the world!
• Use Google [google.com]. Share calendars and documents with your family that you can access from any browser.
• If you have to choose between real life or cyber life, choose real life.
• Email is powerful but don't let it steal your time. See Inbox Zero [43folders.com/izero] for tips on managing your inbox.

Page Modified: (Hand noted: 2008-08-20 14:46:59Z) (Auto noted: 2008-09-16 15:41:12Z)