The internet is a powerful tool for communication, education, and entertainment. It provides opportunities for learning, communication, and entertainment, but it also presents risks including scams, cyberbullying, identity theft, online predators, and privacy concerns. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is committed to helping residents stay informed and safe online.

No matter your age, it’s important to recognize that predators and potentially inappropriate content exist and can be harmful to unsuspecting users. Knowing the warning signs of online scams and understanding how to protect yourself and your family is essential for safe internet use.

Here are some important points (for all ages) to remember to be safe online:

    • Be careful who you talk to online: People you don’t know should not be contacting you. 
    • Be cautious with friends you meet online: If you make friends online, talk to a trusted adult about what a healthy relationship looks like.
    • Take a break before posting: If you’re unsure about sharing something personal or potentially inappropriate, step away and consider discussing it with a friend or adult. You might change your mind or avoid something you’ll regret later.
    • Don’t engage in cyberbullying: Even if you don’t like someone, it’s never okay to be mean. Actions like making rude comments, sharing or liking embarrassing content, or forwarding mean posts all contribute to bullying—even if you didn’t create the content yourself.
    • Speak to a safe adult when you need help: Whether you need advice or just someone to talk to, reaching out to a trusted adult can make a difference. We all need to slow down and think before we act, regardless of our age.
Staying safe online takes awareness and thoughtful choices. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is here to support you and your family in navigating the digital world safely.

Maintain Your Online Privacy and Safety

Information online can spread fast, reach unintended audiences, and end up in unexpected places. Remember, you are your own best defense against online threats. 

🔒 Use Strong Passwords

Create unique passwords that are at least 12 characters long and a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.

📱 Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Whenever available, turn on MFA for email accounts, banking websites, social media platforms, and shopping accounts.

MFA provides an additional layer of security even if a password is compromised.

👤 Limit Personal Information Shared Online

Before posting online, consider whether the information could be used to identify or locate you.

Avoid publicly sharing: home addresses, phone numbers, financial information, school schedules, and vacation plans.

⚠️ Be Cautious with Links and Attachments

Cybercriminals often use fake emails, text messages, and social media posts to steal information.

Before clicking: verify the sender, look for spelling errors, hover over links when possible (to see where the link takes you), or visit websites directly instead of using unsolicited links.

🔄 Keep Devices Updated

Regular software updates help protect against newly discovered security vulnerabilities. Keep all phones, computers, browsers, and even apps updated.

⚙️ Review Privacy Settings

Regularly review privacy settings on social media accounts, gaming platforms, and apps to limit who can view your personal information.

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