Parents–everyone needs to teach and follow cybercitizen laws the same way we follow rules in real society. Here, I listed the basic ‘real’ laws and made the equivalent for cyberspace. Please forward along (but thou shalt not spam) to anyone who you think needs a basic lesson in netiquette. Here is my video making a very real life comparison to the respect people should show online (I know, its super corny, but it makes sense right!?)
1. Thou shalt not steal
Pay for your music and movies instead of downloading illegally.
2. Always wear clothes
Do not post naked pictures or videos of yourself online, as this is the same as walking down the street naked…in front of all of your friends and family…and your whole town…and the next town over…and a bunch of people in New Zealand…in a parade.
3. Thou shalt not inflict harm upon others
Do not cyberbully or attack others through IM, online chat forums, virtual bulletin boards, emails
4. Thou shalt not not destroy public or other’s private property
Do not graffiti on wiki pages, do not deface or hack into another person’s website, do not write inappropriate things in online forums.
5. Thou shalt treat others with respect
Do not slander or spread gossip about other Internet users
6. Kids: Beware of strangers
Never talk to random people on social networks, IM, online forums or virtual worlds
7. Though shalt not litter
Do not Spam people…this includes bad chain letters
8. Kids: If you see litter put it in the trash
Never open Spam, unknown messages or mail
9. Kids: Never let strangers into your home
Never give out private information about your identity, never videochat with someone you do not know
10. Thou shalt pay taxes
Pay for your wireless if required
11. Kids: If you see something suspicious tell an adult
If you see inappropriate words, are contacted by a stranger or see someone being cyberbullied, tell your parents or report it to the website administrators.
12. Kids: Anyone who wants to get into your house can break down a locked door…so get an alarm system
Do not trust all privacy settings, if you are not comfortable wit everyone in the world seeing something you are about to post, DO NOT PUT IT ONLINE (…that one was a bit of a stretch, but you see why it is still important.)
13. Your bank pin number is private
Do not give out your passwords no matter how much you trust them!
Make your additions in the comments! (and porn enthusiasts, please do not bash my non-naked picture law!)
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