Staying in

When the evenings are cold, and you're tired after work or college, you might feel like staying in with the internet or a good book.

This isn't a bad thing. Everyone needs time to themselves.

If you're feeling skint, or just antisocial, it's OK. There are still plenty of things you can do, even from home.

Stay in your home

There are a lot of good things about staying in:

• Cheap, assuming you aren't spending all evening on the phone
• Lots to do (but that may include chores, homework, etc.)
• Private, relaxing, time for yourself

Read a book

Reading books is fun and educational. You can get hold of books for free by joining your local library. If you find reading is what you enjoy doing, why not find (or start) a book club?

• Find out more: Oxfordshire Libraries

Watch TV

Everyone has their favourite TV shows, but to get the most out of your TV, try watching something new. There are lots of documentaries and factual shows, which can help with school work, and finding out about jobs or other interesting things.

If you want to catch up with something, you can hire films and TV series cheaply from your local library.

• Find out more: Oxfordshire Libraries

 

Get online

Your home computer can help you with schoolwork, but it's also a great way to have fun, find new things and socialise with your friends. You can use the internet to:

• Check out local groups to find things to do
• Make plans with friends
• Find out about events in your area

Keeping safe online

There's only one important rule to remember when you're on the Internet. Don't give you personal details to anyone unless you're sure you can trust them. Personal details might include:

• Real name, or the name of friends or family
• Where you live (not just your address, but the name of your town or village)
• Your phone or mobile number
• Your email address
• Where you go to school or college
• Financial details, like a bank account number

Look out for people who try to trick you into revealing personal information. Don't trust the contents of spam emails.

CRUCIAL: Whatever you're doing online, make sure you are surfing safely. Keep your personal details safe, and only make plans with people you know.

• Find out more: Keeping safe on the internet

Whatever you're into

There are lots of interesting activities you can do without even leaving your house. Art, writing, cooking, gardening, looking after pets or taking care of little sisters or brothers are all things which people do at home. But it is also good to find other people who enjoy doing these things.

Find out more: Groups and Clubs

Links

These websites will help you stay happy and safe at home:

• ROSPA
  Safety at home
• Think U Know
  Internet Safety and staying safe online
• BBC.co.uk
  Masses of information, activities and more from the BBC

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