Scroll Smart. Post Smart. Stay Safe.
Fairfax County, VA – As summer begins in Fairfax County, teens will be spending more time online connecting with friends, gaming, streaming, scrolling social media, and exploring new apps and platforms. While the internet offers incredible opportunities to learn, socialize, and have fun, it also comes with real safety concerns like scams, online predators, cyberbullying, privacy risks, and harmful content.
FCPD is committed to helping keep our community safe, both in person and online. We encourage teens and parents to stay informed, have open conversations about digital safety, and practice smart online habits throughout the summer months.
Follow these recommendations to help stay safe online this summer:
Think Before You Tap: What you post online can last forever. Photos, videos, comments, and messages can be shared or saved by others. Before posting, ask yourself if you would want it shared publicly in the future.
Online Is Not Always Real Life: People online are not always who they say they are. Be cautious when chatting, gaming, or messaging with strangers and avoid sharing personal information with people you only know online.
Guard Your Personal Information: Avoid posting sensitive information such as your home address, phone number, school name, current location, passwords, or travel plans online.
Review Your Privacy Settings: Most social media apps and gaming platforms provide privacy settings that allow you to control who can see your information. Take time to review these settings, check followers, and only connect with people you know and trust.
Use Strong Passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for your online accounts. A combination of letters, numbers, and symbols can help protect your accounts. Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication.
Beware of Phishing Attempts & Scams: Cybercriminals often use fake emails, text messages, links, or giveaways to trick people into sharing information. If something feels suspicious or too good to be true, trust your instincts and avoid clicking unknown links or downloads.
Protect Your Mental Health: Take breaks from screens, unfollow negativity, and remember not everything online reflects reality. Positive online habits can support mental wellness and healthy online interactions.
Stop Cyberbullying: Be kind online and support others. If you experience or witness cyberbullying, save evidence and report it to a trusted adult.
Trust Your Instincts: If something online makes you uncomfortable or unsafe, tell a trusted adult, parent, teacher, or law enforcement officer.
Parents and Guardians Play a Role: Parents are encouraged to talk regularly with teens about online safety, monitor apps and platforms, and help set healthy digital boundaries during the summer months.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter suspicious or threatening behavior online, report it by calling 911 or the non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.
If you become a victim of an online financial crime, report it through Financial Crimes Online Reporting (FiCOR).
By following these simple tips, you can help create a safer online environment for yourself, your family, and your community.
Register your camera with Connect Fairfax County to help FCPD solve crimes, locate missing people, and support investigations.
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