Staying safe online

The internet is part of our everyday lives and is a wonderful way to connect with friends and keep up to date with thing you like, such as music, sport, and gaming.

There is a risky side to the internet too, so it’s important to know what to look out for and how to keep it a fun and safe space.

There are lots of websites that provide information about staying safe on-line. 

• protect your online reputation: use the services provided to manage your digital footprints
• know where to find help: understand how to report to service providers and use blocking and deleting tools.
  • if something happens that upsets you online, it’s never too late to tell someone.
• don’t give in to pressure: if you lose your inhibitions you've lost control. Once you’ve pressed send you can’t take it back.
• respect the law: use reliable services and know how to legally access the music, film, and TV you want
• acknowledge your sources: use trustworthy content and remember to give credit when using others’ work or ideas

For more safety tips, visit Childnet, which has resources for primary and secondary school ages about how to stay safe online. 

You can also visit the Safer Internet website, has guidance for young people ages 11 to 19. 

If anybody acts inappropriately towards you or another child or young person online, you can report it to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command). 

This includes things like: 

• chatting with you in a sexual manner, or asking inappropriate sexual questions
• asking you to do something that makes you uncomfortable