Top tips to stay safe online.

Here are some tips to help you keep safe while using the Internet.

For young people

1. Please remember, everyone that you meet on the Internet is still a stranger in the real world.
2. Never ever give your personal details to anyone online; some people may use your details in inappropriate ways.
3. Never ever arrange to meet someone on your own that you have met online. Make sure that you tell at least one other person, and always arrange to meet in a public place.
4. Whenever possible, try to have your online conversations in a place where other people are close by. This will deter anyone trying to send you any inappropriate messages or materials if they think that others can see their messages too.
5. Try not to accept emails or files from people you don’t really know. They could contain bothersome messages or viruses that may be harmful to your computer or laptop.
6. Finally try talking to an adult that you can trust if something happens while you are online that you are not happy with. This could be your parents, older brothers or isters, youth workers or even a teacher.

For parents/teachers/youth workers/service providers.

At home

1. Acknowledge that the Internet is a fantastic tool with many positive qualities that enhance and enrich our lives. But there are also dangers that cannot be ignored.
2. Talk to the child. If you are a parent, it is vital that you are able to communicatewith your child about the dangers and benefits of the Internet freely.
3. Ensure that your child is aware that they can come to you if they are worried aboutanything at all.
4. Try to stay calm and not overact; this will make your child reluctant to come to youagain if they need your help and advice.
5. A filter is software that blocks or ‘filters’ unsuitable content and stops it beingdownloaded. For example, you can ‘filter’ out websites that contain sexual,violence or racist content. Ensure that a good filter is in use that will filter anyunwanted and unsuitable materials.
6. Try to move the laptop or computer into the family room, or at the very least, intoan area that is not secluded from the rest of the family.
7. Involve the whole family to discuss and set out rules on how the computer is used.
8. The code should include acceptable use, personal safety, health and safety andwhat to do if things go wrong.

At school

1. Ensure that the school Bullying Policy has a section on how to be safe on theinternet with a special emphasis on Internet grooming.
2. Ask the school to have regular Internet safety awareness lessons throughout theacademic year; the pace at which technology is developing is rapid, all schoolsneed to be aware of these changes. For example, now it is possible to usefacebook for free on mobile phones.
3. Ensure that your child knows the named teacher that he or she can go to if thereare any issues.
4. Inform your child not to share his or her personal log on details with any of theirfriends.
5. Do not give out your personal details to others while online even if you know them; you don’t know who they may be with or who else has access to theirlaptops/ computers/ log on details.
6. Do not include personal details in your email address; for example ‘susan.smithnorthstreet@leedshighschool.co.uk or sally010289@honleyhigh.co.uk

Links for more information and help

www.thinkyouknow.co.uk
www.pin.org.uk/filtering
www.getnetwise.org