Keeping safe online

There are lots of things you can do to keep yourself safe online.

Think before you post
Don’t upload or share anything you wouldn’t want your parents, carers, or teachers seeing. Once you post something, you lose control of it, especially if someone else screenshots or shares it.

Don’t share personal details
Keep things like your address, phone number, full name, school and date of birth private, and check what people can see in your privacy settings. Remember that people can use small clues like a school logo in a photo to find out a lot about you.

Watch out for phishing and scams
Phishing is when someone tries to trick you into giving them information, like your password. Someone might also try to trick you by saying they can make you famous or that they’re from a talent agency. Never click links from emails or messages that ask you to log in or share your details, even if you think they might be genuine. If you’re asked to log into a website, go to the app or site directly instead.

Think about who you’re talking to
There are lots of ways that people try to trick you into trusting them online. Even if you like and trust someone you’ve met online, never share personal information with them like your address, full name, or where you go to school.

Keep your device secure
Make sure that you’re keeping your information and device secure.

Never give out your password
You should never give out your password or log-in information. Make sure you pick strong, easy to remember passwords.

Cover your webcam
Some viruses will let someone access your webcam without you knowing, so make sure you cover your webcam whenever you’re not using it.

The BBC have 8 tips for keeping safe online here.

You can find more information to help you stay safe online, by following the links below:

• Think U Know for 5 to 7 year olds - 5, 6 or 7? This website has been set up just for you, to help you go on the internet in a safe way and know who to talk to if you are worried.
• Think U Know for 8 to 10 year olds - showing you what's good, look at what’s not and show you ways you can get yourself out of bad situations.
• CBBC Stay Safe: Advice on Internet Safety - includes interactive clips from Tracy Beaker, a Newsround Special and Dongle's Guide to be SMART.