In an age where kids often know more about how to use computers and cell phones than their parents, keeping them safe from online predators and cyber-bullying can be especially challenging. Following are some guidelines for children to use when using the Internet or cell phones.

Social Networking Sites

(e.g. Facebook, MySpace, Friendster)

Do NOT share any of the following information:

* Last names of yourself or friends.

* Social Security number.

* Your school (name, mascot or city/town -- predators can use that information to track where you attend school and, subsequently, where you live).

* Photos of yourself with revealing information (e.g., a photo of you wearing a school sweatshirt).

* Date of birth.

Cyber-bullies

Cyber-bullying is when a person uses a computer or cell phone to harass, intimidate, insult or otherwise hurt a classmate or peer.

This can include posting rude and hurtful comments on the Internet, changing and posting photographs of the victims, or even mass text-messages and e-mails.

If you are being cyber-bullied or harassed:

* Inform law enforcement officials, even if you don't know who the bully is.

Many acts of cyber-bullying are illegal, especially in Nevada. Law enforcement officials can also help to find and identify the perpetrator if you do not know who they are.

* Block the messages or user from your e-mail, personal Web site, or cell phone.

* Tell your parents or a trusted adult.

* Do not answer or respond to the bullying messages or photos. Often, this will only make the situation worse.

Violating the law

"Sexting" involves sending nude or pornographic images or videos using cell phone text messaging.

* Even if you are taking and/or sending the photo of yourself voluntarily, by doing so you have violated child pornography laws.

* The recipient of the sext-message, by opening it, has also violated child pornography laws.