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1) Choose a gender neutral nickname/alias/handle for yourself to use whenever you are interacting with other people on the net. You can have lots of fun with this.
2) When in chats, discussion groups, on bulletin boards, or on the Usenet, never give out information about your location, age, gender, school, phone number, address, e-mail or other personal information. It is considered bad nettiquette, internet manners to ask these things, and simply saying "I don't give out that information" is fine. Nor should you mention other sites that you frequent. Even if you are using a different alias, your style is probably recognizable to someone who is paying attention.
3) If someone offers downloads while in a chat -- don't accept. Downloading links your computer to theirs and enables them to get access to all that information you've been so careful not to give them.
4) Don't go into private chat rooms, and attend only monitored chats, and discussion groups.
5) Pay attention to how you feel when you are talking to someone. Are they treating you politely? Talking about common interests? Or are they being pushy and/or rude? If it's the former, enjoy your chat or discussion, maybe you will meet them again. If the latter, report them to the chat mediator or site manager, or go get a parent or other adult, or get off-line.
6) If you want to buy something, be sure that the site has a secure line. If it does not say so on the order form (or elsewhere on the site) then there should be a way for you to order via snail mail or over the phone. When in doubt, the company should be happy to answer an e-mail inquiry from you in a prompt and cheerful fashion. If they are not prompt and cheerful, take your business elsewhere! Most browsers have an alert if the line is not secure, but some of the older ones don't, so it's good to check with the company and be sure.
Be sure not to turn off the feature on your browser that warns you if you're about to submit a form that isn't secure. The warnings are a little annoying, but it's worth being alerted. the browser will have a graphic indication of secure pages: some use a key icon that's whole (unbroken), some use a little padlock that is locked, some have a blue bar the goes across the top of the browser window.
7) Before signing up for e-mail lists, find out what kind of list it is. Announcement lists only go from them to you, so no one else will see your e-mail address on their e-mail. A discussion list may or may not display your e-mail address and you have to ask the moderator or webmaster how the list is set up. You should also find out if the list will sell you e-mail address to advertisers unless you enjoy getting SPAM (e-mail junk mail).
Also, many e-mail programs have the option of including a preset closure at the bottom that you won't see when you are typing your letter. Your parents might have it set with your address and phone number for business purposes. Be sure that the signature is OFF before you send!
8) When doing research on the net, treat it just as you would if you were doing research in the library. In fact most libraries now have internet connections and the librarian will be happy to help you. There is both wonderful information and useless (except for amusement) horse pucky out there. Check and see if the site you are using has references listed. If not, it's a red flag. Even if they do, it is smart to check those references. The net is freely accessible to everyone and that means any nit-wit can post an opinion, without any sort of review or examination.
9) Also be sure that if you are allowing friends to use your computer that they are following your rules. Thoughtless usage can compromise your safety.
10) NEVER agree to meet someone you have met on-line without being accompanied by a parent and be sure it is in a public place.
Finally, it is important to pay attention to how much time you spend on-line. Computers are even more seductive than TV because they are interactive. If you get up out of your chair and your back or neck hurts, and you are hungry and thirsty, this is an indicator that you've been on too long. Bear in mind that you sit at a desk most of the day and your body needs time to move and refresh itself.