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Most social networking sites allow you to change the security settings on your profile. That means your profile can only seen by people that you want to see it.
The Internet is a great tool, we use it to email, chat and have fun online. We also use it to buy / sell things, book holidays, send pictures, watch videos and keep up to date with the latest gossip.
The problem is online criminals! To make money, they want to hijack your PC, rip you off, steal your identity and lure you into a false sense of security.
You should not be scared of these people. Instead, by following a few simple tips, you can surf the web in safety. You are in control of what you view on-line but it’s best to be cautious.
It's easy to remain anonymous on the web and this can encourage some people to make up things about themselves, even passing off someone else's face as their own. People on-line are not always what they seem - you’re safer if you only chat to people you know in the real world.
You should not be scared of these people. Instead, by following a few simple tips, you can surf the web in safety. You are in control of what you view on-line but it’s best to be cautious.
It's easy to remain anonymous on the web and this can encourage some people to make up things about themselves, even passing off someone else's face as their own. People on-line are not always what they seem - you’re safer if you only chat to people you know in the real world.
Remember to keep your personal information private and learn how to block people you don’t know from chatting and instant messaging you.
It's difficult to judge if someone is genuine, especially as you cannot see the person. This is why you should be cautious and not give away too much about yourself, your family or your friends.
Your instincts will help you decide whether what another person is saying is odd or not quite right – this is your self-defence, telling you something is wrong. It is important to trust these instincts and let your parent or guardian know when you think something is wrong.
Instinct works best when you can see or hear a person, but obviously when talking to someone on the web, it is not possible to do this so it is important to be even more alert.
Anything you post on the internet becomes public information and could remain that way forever. A laugh and a joke now could cost you in the future so be careful what you say or post online. Test yourself by asking- "Would I want my mum/teacher/stranger on the bus to see this?." If the answer’s no, don’t post it.
It's difficult to judge if someone is genuine, especially as you cannot see the person. This is why you should be cautious and not give away too much about yourself, your family or your friends.
Your instincts will help you decide whether what another person is saying is odd or not quite right – this is your self-defence, telling you something is wrong. It is important to trust these instincts and let your parent or guardian know when you think something is wrong.
Instinct works best when you can see or hear a person, but obviously when talking to someone on the web, it is not possible to do this so it is important to be even more alert.
Anything you post on the internet becomes public information and could remain that way forever. A laugh and a joke now could cost you in the future so be careful what you say or post online. Test yourself by asking- "Would I want my mum/teacher/stranger on the bus to see this?." If the answer’s no, don’t post it.
Because some people feel totally anonymous in chat rooms, they believe they can act any way they want. Girls in particular may receive inappropriate comments
Other useful tips include:
Don't give out personal details, photographs, or any other information that could be used to identify you, such as your address, your school or information about your family
Don't take other people at face value - they may not be what they seem
Never arrange to meet someone you've only ever previously met on the Internet without first telling your parents, getting their permission and taking a responsible adult with you
Always stay in public areas of a chat room and where there are other people around
Don't open an attachment or download a file unless you know and trust the person who has sent it
Never respond directly to anything you find disturbing - save or print it, log off and tell an adult
Websites aren’t always what they seem - be careful what you click on
Webcams can be really handy and a lot of fun but they can also be used in the wrong way. Using them just to talk to friends and family is the safest option
If you feel someone is bullying you online, or behaving strangely on a website, contact the site administrator. If someone you have only had contact with online wants to meet in person, tell an adult that you trust
Never give out your:
• Full name• Home address
• Phone number
• National insurance number
• Passwords
• Names of family members
• Credit card numbers
Remember.........................................you’re in control in a chat room - you don’t have to talk to anyone you don’t want to!
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