We know that you know what a cool place the internet can be – somewhere to get creative, watch awesome videos, play games, learn new things and interact with friends. All of which are totally awesome. And we also know that you know how important it is to be super safe online. You’ve heard it from the ‘rents. You’ve heard it at school. But you know what? We’re gonna’ tell you one more time. Cause it’s THAT important!

Get ready for THE KIDZ BOP SQUAD’S 8 GREAT TIPS (drum roll please!)…

Tip #1: Never give out your personal information online

And we mean never. Never ,ever, ever, ever. NEVER. N-E-V-…you get the point.
Sure there’s lots of good peeps online, but let’s be honest, there’s some real creep-a-zoids out there too. So play it safe. Don’t put your personal info in your video. Don’t write it on a fan wall (don’t write it anywhere for that matter.) Don’t say it in an online chat room. Don’t send it in an e-mail.
And what’s considered personal information you ask? Personal information includes your full name (so NO last names people!), phone number, street address, e-mail address, personal website, the city or state you live in, your school’s name, your social security number, or anything else that might let someone know who you are in the real world.

And you know what? While we’re on the topic, let’s not give out anyone else’s personal information either. Cool? Cool.

Tip #2: Keep your passwords private

Treat your online passwords like you would your diary, the notes your BFF passes to you in school or the candy stash you keep hidden in your closet (who doesn’t have a candy stash?!) Keep em’ PRIVATE. Otherwise next thing you know your lil’ bro is uploading videos of himself doing Frontside Half-Cab Kickflips, posting fan wall comments and changing the profile mood to “cranky”…all on YOUR account! So not cool.

Tip #3: Read the “Privacy Policy” and “Rules” on all websites

Seriously guys. We know it can be a drag to read em’ all, but it’s worth it. It should be one of the first things you do any time you go on a website, sign-up for an account or enter a contest or sweepstakes. And if it’s at all confusing (cause legal mumbo-jumbo can give the smartest of us a humungo headache) then make sure you ask a parent or adult to read it with you so you know what’s up.

Tip #4: Only post info you're cool sharing with oh, say...EVERYONE

Posting videos, comments, fan wall postings and photos online can be a fun way to express yourself but just make sure you're okay with other people you know (and don't know) seeing them. You singing along to "Umbrella"? Totally awesome! You uploading a cooking webshow? Sooooo cool! You confessing who your secret crush is at school? Ummm, you might wanna' reconsider that one. You spilling your guts on who your BFF's secret crush is at school? Def put a sock in it! If you're feeling sad, scared, worried or more upset than you usually do, be sure you tell it to a real person in your life - like a parent, teacher, or other adult who you trust. If you only share those feelings in video, no one can reach out and help you. If you aren't sure what's cool to post and what isn't ask a parent or an adult you trust.

Tip #5: Just say NO to online bullying

Whether it happens online or off bullying is really, really uncool. And it’s serious. Going online should be a fun experience, not a complete and total bummer. While you might think that gossiping about someone you know at school in your video or blog is super funny we’re gonna’ break it to you- it’s SO not. It’s actually reeeeaaaallly Lame. That’s Lame with a capitol L. And if it happens in your video not only will we NOT post it, we’ll tell your parents too. Uh oh is right. Come on now, this isn’t an episode of Gossip Girl! So chill with that mean-ness.

And if someone bullies you online you should know that it isn’t your fault and that you should never be treated that way. I mean, have you met yourself? You’re awesome! Be sure to tell a parent or an adult you trust right away and let the website it happened on know so they can give that bully a little talking to!

Tip #6: Don’t download if you don’t know who it’s from

Remember how when you were little adults told you to never accept candy from strangers? Well think of this as the virtual version of that rule. Downloads can give your computer viruses and mess things up big time. And we’re guessing your parents wouldn’t be too happy about that. We’re not saying never download, we’re just saying to download safely. Stop & think before you click and keep your computer healthy.

Tip #7: Don’t take your online friendships offline

Remember way back in tip #1 when we said there were some real creep-a-zoids out there? Well, we meant it. Some really, REALLY major creep-a-zoids. Who might say they’re 13 and a huge Jonas Brothers fan but might actually be totally old…like, 33. Ugh. We’re not here to scare you. Well, yeah, we kinda are. Cause creep-a-zoids are scary! And we want you to stay safe. So have fun, but keep the fun online. And if anyone ever tells you they want to meet up in real life tell your parent or an adult right away. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Just go tell them.

Tip #8: If you’re feeling sketched out, tell someone!

It’s nothing to be embarrassed over. We’ve all gotten sketched out by stuff, online and off. But what’s important is that you don’t keep it to yourself. So tell your parent, a teacher or an adult you trust. They can help you notify the website the sketchy stuff happened on and the police if you need to.

We hope these tips helped. And remember, THE KIDZ BOP SQUAD is here anytime you need help, just send us an e-mail at THEKIDZBOPSQUAD@KIDZBOP.COM

Now go have some fun!