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Keeping safe online

The internet can be fun and a great way to talk to friends, play games, watch videos and listen to music. But not everyone online is real or honest about who they say they are and not all information on the web can be trusted. Remember to stay safe!

Tips for Staying Safe Online:

  • Never use your real name in chat rooms
  • Don’t give out personal information such as your address, mobile number, passwords, school, the clubs you go to, photos of yourself - even if someone tells you things about themselves
  • Never respond to rude or mean messages (and don’t send any to other people)
  • Never create or post a video or picture you wouldn't want shared
  • Only arrange to meet someone you have been chatting to with your parent’s/carer’s permission and at a time when they can come with you
  • Be careful about accepting messages if you don’t know or trust the person who sent them – they can contain nasty images or viruses that may damage your devices
  • Remember you can block people in a chat or instant messenger
  • Agree some rules with your parents about what’s OK to do online and what isn’t – it will save arguments later!
  • If anything makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, talk to your parents/carers/teachers about it

Sexting

Sexting is when someone shares intimate images or videos (or sends sexual messages) of themselves or others with another person. They can be sent using mobiles, tablets, smartphones, laptops - any device that allows you to share media and messages.

Most sexting is deliberate; the person sending the content meant to do it, usually sending it to someone their in a relationship with. Accidental sexting is more likely to happen if your judgement is clouded e.g. if you have had alcohol or taken drugs. Some young people are put under pressure by some else to send images. 

If you are thinking of sharing images or videos you need to consider who you are sending them to and whether they can be trusted, both now and in the future. If you are in a relationship, will the other person respect you enough not to share the picture if you break up? How well do you really know them? If the person asking for images acts up when you refuse, is this someone you can trust? Once an image is sent it is then out of your control and could be shared with others or posted elsewhere online

Sexting can be seen as harmless, but creating or sharing explicit images of a child is illegal, even if the person doing it is a child. The Law is on your side and was not designed to punish young people for making mistakes whilst experimenting with their sexuality. The law is aimed firmly at those who choose to trade or profit from sexual pictures of children. 

If you are feeling pressured to share images or videos or regret sending them to someone the following resources will help you:

 

What to do if you've shared a nude:

 

In 2015 the offence of revenge porn was introduced where intimate images are shared on the internet to cause distress to a specific victim. Sometimes a child or young person is groomed to send sexually explicit images by an adult who then uses them to blackmail or trap the child.

Bullying Online

Bullying online, also called 'cyberbullying' is when someone targets and deliberately upsets someone using the internet. It could be by someone you know or a stranger. Because it can happen on your phone or computer which you have continuous access to it can feel like it's hard to escape. It can make you feel scared, worried and overwhelmed by the situation.  Childline and Childnet have more information and some great advice about what to do if you experience bullying or see a friend being bullied.

      

This gruesome gang of online troublemakers have arrived on the Island to help you learn how to spot and defeat dangers online.

The internet should be a fun, safe space for you to explore and learn more about the world. But some children may sometimes come across harmful or confusing things. This dastardly squad of trolls are mischievous, sneaky little creatures that will help you spot potential perils and know what to do if something goes wrong online.

There’s a whole host of tyrannical trolls to meet, each with their own character. The Trolls will help you develop the skills needed to recognise and overcome issues so that you can stay safe online.

If you’ve enjoyed the book  Peril of the Possessed Pets then explore the  troll toons , troll books , troll files  and tools and tips to learn more .


If you're having a difficult time:


If you or a friend are in immediate danger call the Police on  999


Call 0800 11 11

Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help.

If you’re struggling with your feelings, you're not alone. Young Minds have loads of practical tips and advice from young people just like you, as well as information on getting the support you need. 

Call 116 123 (free) or email jo@samaritans.org

They provide a safe place to talk anytime about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.

Childnet’s have online safety advice, activities, games and films for young people.

 
CEOP
Are you worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online? Make a report to one of CEOP's Child Protection Advisors