Keeping safe online

Online abuse is any type of abuse that happens on the internet, including social networks (facebook, TikTok), playing online games or using mobile phones.

Most young people spend a lot of time online and it can be a great way for you to socialise, explore and have fun. But did you know that:

• over half of teenagers have revealed information online that could be used to identify them and 
• nearly a third of children aged 12 to 15 have online friends that are not personally known to them.  

It's important that you think about staying safe online! 

Following digital footprints
The things you put online can be seen by lots of people and might stay online forever. They are like digital footprints – a trail that people can follow, picking up pieces of information about you.

We all leave digital footprints and with every new profile, photo or comment we add new ones. People that you know, and people you don’t, can learn a lot from them. 

Do you know what yours say about you?

Have you ever tried typing your name into Google to see what comes up?

Remember, if you have posted something you regret - it’s never too late to take control. Try clicking on the CEOP Report Button

How to stay safe online
The internet is great fun but it does have dangers and we want you to be safe online. When you join a chatroom you'll find people are very friendly but the person you are talking to might not always be who they say they are.

Here are some Top Tips to help you have fun and keep safe online:

• People you don’t know are strangers – it’s quite easy to feel like you know someone really well online because of all the things you talk about, just remember that a stranger in the street is the same as a stranger on the internet.
• Keep personal information safe – People will ask you questions, that doesn’t mean that you have to answer them! Make a list of things which might be OK to share and a list of things that you definitely shouldn’t share
• Be nice online – Let try and keep the internet as a fun place for everything
• Talk to someone – If things go wrong, or you feel worried or scared by what people are saying – Tell someone! This can be Mum or Dad, Auntie or Uncle, even your grandparents can help.

For more information visit CEOP