Be a smart surfer

The internet is a huge part of modern life. You can use it for shopping, socialising, schoolwork and fun. It can help you find out more about almost anything. But it can also be dangerous.

What's the worst that can happen?

Some people think that because what they're doing is happening online, it doesn't matter if you do bad things, or if bad things happen to you.

Wrong. If you're careless, break rules, or take it all too seriously, you can get into a lot of trouble on the Internet:

• Trouble at work or school Using work time and computers to chat and surf can lead to you being fired, excluded, or even prosecuted. Don't think you won't be caught just because you know a few internet tricks to cover your tracks, either; there are also lots of tricks to catch people.
• A messed-up computer Some websites and adverts try to reset your home page, launch multiple windows, and download malicious files which will damage your computer. Sites which sell pornography, games or downloads are notorious for this. Protect yourself by avoiding bad websites, learning about your computer's security settings, and downloading more protective software if you need it.
• Trouble with the police Downloading certain sorts of files is illegal. Examples of this may be illegal copies of software, films and music, other people's personal details, and certain types of pornography.

These are all examples of bad things you can do on the internet. There's also the risk of other people doing bad things to you.

Related topics: Bullying

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. If you are concerned about something which has happened online, you can contact ceop:

• www.ceop.gov.uk/reportabuse

Who can I trust?

Deciding who you can trust is something you have to learn to do. Examples of times when it might be OK to provide some personal details include:

• Buying goods from an established and well-respected online commercial site
• Registering to a website which is provided by an organisation you know and trust
• Answering a confidential survey on a well-established website you regularly visit

You should NEVER give your details to a person you have met in a chatroom. Though most people online are just chatting and having fun, a few are criminals looking for people to abuse or rob. These people are experts at gaining trust and abusing it. Don't fall into their traps. Always remember:

• People lie Almost everyone lies a little bit online, and some people lie a lot, for all sorts of reasons. Don't trust what people tell you.
• Personal information can be used to hurt you Giving out personal information means people can find you, and hurt you. Personal information includes your email address, real name, address, photo, the name of the school you go to, the name of your parents. Be careful with information about other people, too.
• Keep your passwords safe You don't just have to worry about the real world! If other people get hold of your email address or passwords, they can impersonate you on bulletin boards, bombard you with messages or emails, or even attack your computer or website.
• Chat and Social Networking sites want you to be safe and happy If someone is bullying you, bothering you, or trying to trick you into revealing personal information, you'll be doing everyone a favour by letting the website organiser or chat moderator know.

Still not sure what would be OK? Think U Know offers information about staying safe online.

Blogging and using social networking sites safely

Blos and social networking sites are a great way keep in touch with friends, meet new people, or just have fun. One of the problems with an online diary or profile, though, is that anyone can read it, including potential employers, your teacher and your parents.

Fortunately, keeping your blog safe, secure and personal is easy enough!

• Read the safety advice on your blogging or social networking site and follow it
• Keep personal stuff for screened or private posts only
• Leave out details that could be used to find you, e.g. the name of your workplace or school
• Don't post stuff that will embarrass you later

Related topics: Bullying

Meeting an online friend in real life

Relationships you make online feel very real, but you are only seeing part of the person. The part they show on the Internet may be very different from how they behave in real life. They may also have lied about themselves to keep you interested or gain your trust. They may even be intending to hurt or abduct you.

If you do decide to meet an online friend in real life, it is ABSOLUTELY VITAL that you go to the meeting with a friendly, responsible adult.

If they really want to be your friend, they won't mind meeting you when other people are around.

Related topics: Protection from Abuse, Bullying