Safer Internet Day 2024

Safer Internet Day highlights the importance of making the internet a creative, educational and most of all, safe space for everyone. This annual initiative is an opportunity to recognize potential dangers and simple ways to protect yourself while using the internet. Pasco Sheriff’s Office offers ways to stay safe when browsing the web this Safer Internet Day.

From social media and virtual reality, there are many exciting opportunities to connect online; however, there are also potential challenges. Not everything you see is what it appears to be online, including people you meet. Set social media accounts to private and disable location sharing and geolocation settings to protect your location. When speaking with someone new online, never leave the original social platform where the conversation initiated. Don’t meet up with strangers you talk to online, unless you’re able to verify their identity and can do so in a public place. Report things people say online if they make you uncomfortable.

It’s important to be mindful when sharing or downloading content through the internet, as everything you do online leaves a digital footprint. Think twice before posting online and don’t publish anything online that you wouldn’t say in real life. Content online can be screen shotted and manipulated. The best way to ensure private information is kept safe is to not share it. Once something is posted online, it’s there forever, and can fall into the hands of someone who may use your own information against you.

Scammers use fear and technology to try to con their victims. Never provide your personal information to someone you don’t know or to an unsolicited request. Don’t read an email, click a link or open any attachments from someone you don’t know or aren’t expecting. Scammers pressure victims to act immediately, without time to process. By resisting pressure to act quickly, you can avoid a scam. Take the time to verify the accuracy of suspicious requests to discredit potentially false claims. If you recognize suspicious behavior online that may be a scam, report it to law enforcement. Rapid reporting can help stop crime and protect others from becoming a victim.

Not all apps are safe. You can avoid bad apps by checking them before installing. Check app developers’ names and the version history in the App Store or Google Play Store. Some apps may contain inappropriate content and might not be suitable for all ages. Reject geolocation setting requests to protect your location when using apps. Parents and guardians should download the same apps as their children and become familiar with it to help ensure their child’s safety.

Everyone can do their part to promote positive and responsible internet use. Having open conversations is the best place to start; maintaining open dialogue will encourage comfortable conversation to prevent and respond to online incidents. There are ways to understand, recognize, prevent and responsibly respond to inappropriate online behavior. Share these tips with friends and family to help spread awareness for Safer Internet Day!