**SG Public Service Announcement** Just a reminder to all of you concerning internet safety. DO NOT post identifying information on the boards, or even share it in PM unless you're 100% sure you know who you're talking to. Just as you wouldn't go up to a stranger in real life and tell them your full name, DOB, where you live, where you kids go to school, you phone #, etc. don't do it online. Teenagers especially need to be aware of who they are talking to and who they are sharing info with. Here are some pointers:
1. Don't use a personal photo as your avatar, especially if you are underage. Having your picture up significantly increases your chances of being targeted by an internet predator.
2. Don't use your real name as a handle, in board posts, or anywhere. Just googling someone's full name brings up tons of information.
3. Don't bring communication outside of SG unless you have definitive proof that the person you're talking to is who they say they are.
4. Don't post any info that could lead people to you. These days a shockingly small amount of information can be used to zero in on someone. So don't post your phone number, email, state, city, etc. Be wary of posts asking: "Is there anyone here from [Anytown, USA]?"
5. If someone you've been corresponding with suddenly changes demeanor and starts requesting physical descriptions/pictures/etc report it immediately.
This is meant to be a supportive environment where we can all feel safe, but as in all public internet forums we all need to be safe and smart about what information we share with strangers.
