You’ve probably learned a long list of important safety and privacy lessons in your life: Look both ways before crossing the street; buckle up; don’t talk to strangers; hide your diary where your nosy brother can’t find it. Add one more lesson to the list: Don’t post information about yourself online that you don’t want the whole world to know. The Internet is the world’s biggest information exchange: many more people could see your information than you intend, including your parents, your teachers, your employer, the police – and strangers, some of whom could be dangerous. Social networking sites have added a new factor to the “friends of friends” equation. By providing information about yourself and using blogs, chat rooms, email, or instant messaging, you can communicate, either within a limited community, or with the world at large. But while the sites can increase your circle of friends, they also can increase your exposure to people who have less-than friendly intentions. You’ve heard the stories about people who were stalked by someone they met online, had their identity stolen, or had their computer hacked. • Find out how different sites work before deciding to join. Some sites allow only a defined community of users to access posted content; others allow anyone and everyone to view postings. • Keep some control over the information you post by restricting access to your page. • Keep your full name, Social Security number, address, phone number, and bank or credit card account numbers to yourself. Don’t post them. • Make sure your screen name doesn’t say too much about you. Even if you think it makes you anonymous, it doesn’t take a genius to combine clues to figure out who you are and where you can be found. • Post only information that you are comfortable with others seeing and knowing. • Consider not posting your photo. It can be altered or broadcast in ways you may not be happy about. • Flirting with strangers online could have serious consequences. Some people lie about who they really are. • Be wary if a new friend wants to meet you in person. If you decide to meet them, meet in a public place, during the day, with friends you trust. And tell a responsible adult where you’re going. • Trust your gut if you have suspicions. If you feel threatened by someone or uncomfortable because of something online, tell an adult you trust. If threats continue, repor