Online Safety
The internet is a fantastic place to learn, play, create and stay connected with friends and family. Whether you are using a computer, tablet, phone or games console, it is important to know how to stay safe online.
The websites and resources linked below provide helpful tips, advice and activities to help you enjoy the internet safely and responsibly. Some of these may already be familiar to you from lessons and assemblies at school.
Top Tips for Staying Safe Online
- Keep personal information, such as your address, phone number and passwords, private.
- Only communicate online with people you know and trust.
- Think carefully before sharing photos, videos or messages.
- Be kind and respectful to others online.
- Tell an adult if something online makes you feel worried, upset or uncomfortable.
Remember
If you see something online that worries you, or if someone is being unkind, asking personal questions or making you feel uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult straight away. This could be a parent, carer, teacher or another adult you trust.
You are never in trouble for asking for help, and there are lots of people who can support you.
Please explore the links below for more information, games, advice and support to help you stay safe online.
Think U Know
The Think U Know website will help you go on the internet in a safe way and tell you who to talk to if you are worried. You can also find out about Lee & Kim’s adventures or watch Hector and his friends learning to use computers safely! If you want to talk to someone else you can call ‘Childline’, which is a place where people who are nice can help you.
They won’t tell anyone that you have called and it’s free. You can phone them on 0800 1111.
Kid Smart
Visit the KidSMART website and learn more about the internet and being a SMART surfer. Learn the SMART Rules with Kara Winston and the SMART Crew. If anything goes wrong online or upsets you make sure you tell someone about it. Download a poster of the SMART Rules by clicking this link.
ChildLine
Sometimes people can use the internet and mobile phones to bully people and make them feel bad. This can be very difficult to deal with as it can feel like you can’t get away from it. If people are saying things that worry you or make you feel upset, tell an adult you trust. They will know what to do and how to get help. The Childline website also contains helpful information about cyberbullying and ways to help stop it.
Top Tips
- Always ask a grown up before you use the internet. They can help you find the best thing to do.
- Don’t tell strangers where you live, your phone number or where you go to school. Only your friends and family need to know that.
- Don’t send pictures to people you don’t know. You don’t want strangers looking at photos of you, your friends or your family.
- Tell a grown up if you feel scared or unhappy about anything.
- Remember – People you have only talked to on the internet are strangers, even though they may sometimes feel like friends. You should never arrange to meet with someone you have met on the internet without checking with your parents first as it could be dangerous.
Help and Advice
If you are a parent and would like more help and advice about keeping your child safe online, please visit our online safety page.
