We have come up with ways to stay “Smart” online for you.
Safe: Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information when you’re chatting or posting online. Personal information includes your email address, phone number, photos and password. Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.
Meet: Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents or ‘caregivers’ permission and even then only when they can be present. Remember online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time.
Accepting: Accepting emails, instant messages, or opening files, images or texts from people you don’t know or trust can lead to problems – they may contain viruses or nasty messages or be trying to take information from your profile!
Reliable: Someone online might lie about who they are and information on the internet may not be true. Always check information by looking at other websites, in books, or with someone who knows. If you like chatting, it’s best to only chat to your real world friends and family.
Tell: Tell a parent, caregiver or a trusted adult if someone, or something, makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, or if you or someone you know is being bullied online.
We thought this would be a nice idea to print out and stick in your school’s computer room or at home for your young children to see.
Click here to download a printable pdf.
Danger signs
Some extra hints and tips
Be aware:
- If the person tries to insist on having your address or phone number
- If the person emails you pictures which make you feel uncomfortable and which you would not want to show to anyone else
- If the person wants to keep their chats with you secret
- If the person tells you that you will get into trouble if you tell an adult what has been going on
- If the person emails you pictures which make you feel uncomfortable and which you would not want to show to anyone else
- If the person wants you to email them pictures of yourself or use a webcam in a way which makes you feel uncomfortable
- If the person shares information with you and tells you not to tell anyone else about it
- If the person wants to meet you and tells you not to let anyone know
- If you find any of these danger signs, it’s important that you tell your parents or another adult.
These tips are not just for children, many adults may find themselves in similar situations or become part of a scam. Best to follow some of our guidelines stated and online best practices.