The internet can be a very dangerous place. Here are a few simple rules for your teen to stay safe while he surfs the net.

In today's world, the internet has become indispensable. Adults use it for their work while teens use it for finding information related to school and college projects. The internet can also be used for leisure. Your teen probably spends hours on the internet, looking for things that interest him. This includes chatting and gaming. However, the internet can also be a very dangerous place at times. There are plenty of people who will try to take advantage of an innocent person. Read on for some basic guidelines for your teen to stay safe and still enjoy his online experience.

Do Not Believe Everything You Read Online

From a young age, your teen has always been told that honesty is the best policy. However, when it comes to the internet, this saying flies out of the window. Your teen should not take everything he reads or sees at face value. This is especially true if he visits chat rooms. In most chat rooms, he will be interacting with unknown people.

The internet offers people a chance to pretend to be someone else. This includes unscrupulous people as well. Your teen does not know if the person claiming to be seventeen, five feet five inches, slim, and female actually exists. In reality, he could be chatting with someone who is forty-five, six feet three inches, obese, and male. Some people disguise their identity just for kicks. However, criminals like paedophiles will often disguise their identities online, in order to lure unsuspecting victims.

Be Wary of People Who Ask Personal Questions

Most of the time, an online chat or discussion will involve discussing a favourite movie or similar non-invasive subjects. Sometimes, the topics may take on a personal turn. Your teen should always keep his personal information private. This includes information like what his last name is, where he lives, his telephone or mobile phone number, etc.

If your teen gives out his personal information in cyberspace, he has no way of knowing how the information can be used against him. Criminals lurk online, looking for ways to trick people into parting with their personal information. They can then use this information to steal his identity or perpetrate frauds in his name. Your teen must always be on his guard and never give out any of his details, especially to strangers. If his chat partner insists on knowing certain details, he should leave the chat immediately.

Use the 'Buddy System'

Sometimes, your teen will decide to meet up with an online friend in person. If your teen is considering this option, he should follow a buddy system. This involves taking along a friend or relative to the meeting. The idea behind this is that at no time should your teen be left alone with an unknown person.

If an online friend asks your teen if they can meet, he should clarify it with you before he gives the person a reply. If you approve of the meeting, your teen should let this individual know that he is planning to bring his parents or friends. Your teen should encourage his online friend to bring his parents along too. Your teen may argue that this is a foolish idea, but it is better to be safe than sorry. If your teen's online acquaintance is who he says he is, there should not be any problem with you meeting him. Make it very clear to your teen that under no circumstances is he supposed to meet someone by himself.

Your teen should always select a meeting place which has a lot of people. Meetings must always be held in public areas like malls, cafés, etc. This will ensure that your teen remains in a safe setting. Also, make it a point to have your teen meet his friend during daylight hours. No matter how much your teen protests make it clear to him that he must abide by these rules.

Your teen deserves to have a safe web experience. By following these tips, he can protect himself from those who seek to cheat or harm him.