 
The computer is a great place to research, surf, and chat with other teens. But teens face a lot of risks online, especially when you give out personal information that a child predator could use to track you down. Learn the safe way to surf and what to do if you
are being contacted by an online bully, or, if someone is exposing you to sexually explicit material or suggestions.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Federal Bureau of Investigation or call: 202-324-3666
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
CyberTipline
TAKE THE TEENS OnQ ONLINE SAFETY QUIZ:
· Do you have a computer in your bedroom?
· Do your parents know who you email, instant-message, and chat with?
· Do you know more about the Internet, chat rooms, instant messaging, etc., than your parents or guardians?
· Have you ever given information about yourself, such as your name, where you live, or where you go to school, to someone you don't know online?
· Have you ever described your appearance, or answered personal questions about your body or physical characteristics to someone online?
· Do you feel the Internet is a "safe" place to anonymously explore sensitive issues, such as sexuality or sexual preference?
· Have you ever felt uncomfortable with topics or questions asked to you by someone you don't know online?
· If you have felt uncomfortable with an online exchange, did you report the incident to an adult, such as a parent or teacher; or to your internet provider?
· Have you ever considered meeting a person you met online?
· Do you spend more than two hours a day chatting, instant messaging, or online surfing?
If you answer YES to even one of these questions, you are at risk of becoming the target of an online predator. Answer YES to more than three questions, and you definitely are at high risk of becoming a victim!
FYI, teens with computers in their bedroom are most likely to become victims of an online crime. In many instances, those teens engage in riskier behavior because their online activity is not as likely to be monitored by an adult as teens who use computers situated in high-traffic areas such as the family living room.
Jobs in the technology industry range from computer technician to auto mechanic! Learn about the wide range of jobs that require technology skills, and what you can do now to start preparing for a career in this field.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Bender Consulting Services, Inc. Joyce Bender, interviewed in this story, provides a comprehensive site about placement services for people of all abilities in technology careers.
Human Capital Policy Initiative, University of Pittsburgh Information about the region's workforce development efforts in high-growth jobs, including technology.
Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor & Industry, Center for Workforce Information & Analysis
Pittsburgh Technology Council
Information Networking Institute, Carnegie Mellon University
Pennsylvania CareerLink
Do you worry about appearances? Feel peer pressure to look or dress a certain way? Learn how to deal with those feelings and assert yourself so you can stand up to bullying and the pressure or cliques, and be happy with who you are.
Recommended reading by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh:
Health, Fitness, and Feeling Great, Looking Hot, & Loving Yourself!: Beauty for
Teens, Youngs, Jennifer Leigh
The Looks Book: A Whole New Approach to Beauty, Body Image, and Style, Odes, Rebecca
HELPFUL LINKS:
Teenagers Today offers expert advice, FAQs, resources, and teen diaries to help you deal with important social issues.
One of the countries most unique museums exists on Pittsburgh's North Side. It's The Mattress Factory, and you can learn about youth programs that display your work right along side the work of professional artists!
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TEENS AND ONLINE COMPUTER SAFETY
TECHNOLOGY FIELDS
THE MATTRESS FACTORY TEEN ART SHOW