Konsekwencje zagrożeń w internecie i sposoby ich unikania

The Internet is very useful. However, in order to benefit from it, you must have some knowledge and follow a set of specified principles. Not all information found on the Internet is reliable and up to date and its usage is associated with some online threatsthreatsthreats. The Internet, as any other tool, may be used for abuse.

While using the Internet, you can be exposed to content that you would not like to do with, such as:

• content encouraging to violence,

• content promoting attitudes and behaviours that pose risk to health, e.g. gambling, drugs, anorexia, encouraging to join cults etc.,

• content encouraging to committing crimes,

• content approving racial discrimination.

Part of these materials are placed online illegallyillegallyillegally, other, though harmful to younger Internet users, conform to the law. You can come across most of them accidentally. Therefore the ability to critically assess online content is very important.

Another threat is using the Internet illegallyillegallyillegally. First of all you have to remember that not all online content is free. You have already learnt that computer programmes, films, music or books are published on the Internet under licenceslicenceslicences. These materials are copyrighted. It is important to conform to the copyrightcopyrightcopyright. When you download files from illegal sources, you:

• break the law, which may entail legal consequences,

• expose your computer to threatsthreatsthreats posed by hackers (viruses, Trojan horses, which cracked programmes may be infected with).

While using web portals, remember that you cannot trust every person you meet online. Somebody may want to obtain information about you, or even harm you. Never make appointments with people met online without your parents consent.

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Ilustracja przedstawia nastolatkę kontaktującą się za pomocą komputera ze starszym mężczyzną podszywającym się pod nastolatka. Do każdej postaci dodany jest dymek z napisem. Nastolatka: I'm Anne, I'm 11 years old. I'm looking friends. Mężczyzna: My name is Billy and I am also 11 years old.

In the event of online threat you can seek help by calling on 116‑111. You will also find useful information on the web site of the Empowering Children Foundation.

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Ikonografika telefonu : słuchawka telefonu umieszczona w kole. Obok zapisany numer 116-111

Memorise

1. Tell your parents that you want to meet a person whom you know only from the Internet.

2. When you receive information that embarrasses you, tell about it someone you trust.

3. Do not trust strangers. Be cautious when someone wants to learn too much about you (e.g. your name, telephone number, address).

Exercises

Glossary

Keywords

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