Staying safe online

Using the internet can be fun and enjoyable but the internet can be dangerous.

It's important to be aware of the dangers of the Internet as sometimes, you may not know exactly who you are speaking to and sometimes you may be sent things by email or on your phone that may really upset you. If you feel frightened, threatened, worried or unsafe about anything that has happened whilst using the Internet e.g. Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter etc. you should report it.

Dangers of the Internet 

  • Children and young people can be at risk of becoming groomed
  • A platform for bullying
  • Phishing- the use of emails that try to trick people into clicking on malicious links or attachments.
  • Scams
  • Catfishing- when someone creates fake profiles on social media sites to trick people into thinking they are somebody else.

Tips for staying safe online: 

  • Keep safe by being careful and not giving our personal information. Personal information includes your email address, phone number and passwords.
  • If you are meeting someone you have met online only do so with your parent’s or carer’s permission and even then only when they can be present. Remember online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time.
  • Be careful when accepting emails, messages or opening file/images or texts from people you don’t know. These can sometimes contain viruses or nasty messages.
  • Sometimes people lie about who they are and the information on the internet may not be true. You can check information by looking at other websites, in books, or with someone who knows.
  • Tell a parent, carer or a trusted adult if someone, or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, or if you or someone you know is being bullied.

How to stay safe online (BSL) video