Making friends online
You shouldn't be afraid to use the internet, but you need to know that there are dangers. Not everything you see or read online is true…and you can’t be sure that everyone is who they say they are. You should always stay as streetwise online as you would in the outside world.
Just as you wouldn’t give a stranger on the street your personal details - such as your name, your age, your phone number, where you live, where you go to school, your passwords and your email address - it’s important that you don’t give out your personal details online either. Even if someone tells you all about themselves - you can never be certain it’s true…
Arranging to meet up with someone you’ve met and chat with online is a bad idea! However much you’ve spoken through instant messaging (IM), online games, blogs, chat rooms or email - people you’ve met online are still strangers! You should never meet up with anyone you chat to on the web, unless you’ve told an adult AND that adult goes with you.
The following websites have more information on staying safe online and what to do if you feel uncomfortable or worried about anything.
Helplines / Websites:
www.chatdanger.com
Learn how to keep safe using chat, IM, online games, email and on your mobile. There are also true stories, and advice on looking after yourself and your friends
www.bbc.co.uk/chatguide/teens
Quick tips for teens on keeping safe in chatrooms and dealing with cyber bullying
www.thinkuknow.co.uk
The latest information on mobiles, new technology and the sites you like to visit. Find out what’s good, what’s not and what you can do to get yourself out of any bad situations.
www.ceop.gov.uk
If someone online says something inappropriate to you or behaves in a way that upsets you or makes you feel uncomfortable - this is the place for you to report it.
www.childline.org.uk
If you feel uncomfortable or worried about anything, and want to talk to someone, ChildLine's counsellors are there to help you. Call ChildlLine’s free helpline on 0800 1111 any time of day or night.
Report Abuse
If you find anything online that makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, then you can click the Report Abuse button. There is one at the bottom of every page on this website.
