BATON ROUGE, LA – From researching to gaming to communicating, the
Internet can be a great source of learning and fun for our children; but
cyberspace can also be dangerous and even deadly. And with Summer in full swing
and Louisiana children spending more time online, Attorney General Jeff Landry
is encouraging our State’s families to educate themselves about cyber safety
and security.
“Oversharing and bullying online can lead to
embarrassing situations and dangerous predicaments,” said Attorney General Landry.
“We must do all that we can to protect Louisiana’s children from those wishing
to do harm.”
In order to help our State’s youth stay safe online this
Summer, Attorney General Landry offers the following cyber tips:
- Be
Vigilant. Set complex
passwords and keep them private. Regularly update your operating system and antivirus software. Remember that some free downloads can hide viruses or spyware.
- Post
Carefully. Do not
trade personal pictures, share your location, or make inappropriate comments. Once it is posted online, it cannot be taken back.
- Protect
Your Identity.
Use privacy settings to restrict who can see your posts and follow your profiles. Do not use screen names that reveal personal information. Do not
to share your address, phone number, or school name.
- Be
Wary of New Acquaintances.
Limit your online friends to people you actually know. Do not chat with
strangers and do not open emails from people you do not know.
- Do
Not Meet Up With Strangers.
Never agree to get together with someone you only met online. Never assume
people online are being honest about their identities.
- Report Suspicious/Uncomfortable Behavior. Do not respond to threatening emails, messages, posts, or texts; instead, tell an adult you trust about them.
- Stand Up for Cyberbullying Victims. Do not comment on hurtful or insulting posts and do not forward embarrassing photos or messages.
Attorney General Landry also urges parents and guardians to take a
proactive role in their children’s cyber safety.
“Do not simply rely on software applications or device
restrictions; know the websites they are visiting, the apps they are
downloading, the people they are talking to, and the info they are sharing,”
added Attorney General Landry. “Tell your kids to come to you if any situation
online makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.”
For more ways to stay safe online, visit www.agjefflandry.com/cybersafety.