Being safe on the internet

The internet can be a really fun and helpful place. We can play games, chat to friends, watch videos and learn stuff. But the internet can also be a bit scary or make you feel unsafe.

1. Keep your personal information safe online 

Things you shouldn’t share online include:

• your full name (chose a fun nickname to use instead of your real name)
• your address
• your phone number
• what school you go to.

Someone could use this information to find you.

2. Only talk online to people you know in real life

When you are online using social media or messaging:

• make your profile private
• only add friends you know in real life
• if people you don’t know try to chat with you, tell your parents or carers or another trusted adult before you chat with them.

Unsafe people online might pretend to be someone else. They could act older or younger than they actually are to try to trick you into talking to them or becoming friends with them online.

3. Be kind online – think before you hit send

When you are online, don’t:

• threaten or be mean to someone
• send photos of you or others without clothes on
• cyberbully anyone.

There are some things you can get in trouble for doing online, such as bullying, threatening, or sending photos of you or other people without clothes on.

If someone tricks or threatens you into sending photos without clothes on, the person who tricked or threatened you is the one who will get into trouble. If this happens, tell a trusted adult, like a parent or carer, so they can help you.

4. Tell a trusted adult if anything upsets you online

Sometimes we can see things online that make us feel worried, sad, scared or confused. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe:

• you don’t have to deal with it on your own
• tell a trusted adult, like a parent or carer or a teacher – they can help.