Using the internet

In your house it is likely that you are the expert on using the internet.  Your parent or guardian will do everything they can to make sure that you can safely enjoy using the internet, but it is best if you can know how to avoid problems and to be safe.  You may even have to show your brothers and sisters how to stay out of trouble!

Tips on Staying Safe

Make sure a parent, teacher or guardian knows when you're surfing the net.   If you get an e-mail with rude or unpleasant things, you must tell a responsible adult straight away and don't reply to it!
Remember that it's not your fault that someone has sent you this.
Don't open e-mails, downloads or attachments from people you don't know: they might have viruses or unwanted messages inside.
If a website asks you to register with them and you have to fill out an e-mail form, always ask for an adult's opinion.

Chat Rooms and Instant Messaging

Chat rooms and instant messaging can be great fun, but remember, you never really know who you are talking to online. It could be someone trying to trick you, some kind of weirdo, or someone really dangerous. Here are some tips to help you keep safe and there are other important things you should consider:

• Only ever go into rooms which are appropriate to your age Only ever go into rooms which are moderated
• Whether you access chat rooms through a computer or a mobile phone, it is best if you only use  chat rooms where a parent is present
•  Never give out your mobile phone number or those of your friends 
•  Never give out any personal information about yourself or family
• Be vague about where you live for example, it is best to only ever say 'I Live in the UK'
• Never send a photograph of yourself or post one in a public profile  Never accept a file or download from someone in a chat room 
•  If you are uncomfortable with what someone is saying  terminate the session and tell an adult you trust

Finally,

• Never arrange a face-to-face meeting - Chat friends are only for chat rooms!
• Report any abuse to the Police
   

Blogs

Web logs or Blogs are online diaries.  They can be public for the whole world to see or private.  Some are moderated and others aren't.  You can add your profile, photos, video and sound to your blog. Stuff you post on the web is available to anyone in the World.  Before posting anything, ask yourself do you mind family, teachers and strangers seeing it?  Photos are easy to change.  A nice picture of you can easily be made into a disgusting one and posted everywhere.
Don't be persuaded to give out your personal details or photos to anyone.  Other bloggers' are actually strangers even if you feel like you know them.
Use the same caution as you would when using chat rooms and Instant Messaging.
Remember if someone makes you uncomfortable, tell an adult.