How to stay safe online

The past year has seen most people take to doing everything virtually in place of being in school, the workplace or meeting up with friends. It’s fantastic that technology allows us to do this but it’s wise to be cautious when spending time online.

If you’d like advice on staying safe online visit the NSPCC’s website here. They’re offering a range of tips and advice on how best to keep your child safe.

For information regarding the safeguarding of adults and young people at risk, the Ann Craft Trust are making people aware of the dangers of being online, how to protect vulnerable people you know and tips to avoid Coronavirus scams.

Keep these top tips in mind to stay safe

1)      Keep your personal information to yourself – like your address, email address or mobile number.

2)      Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself.  Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.

3)      Keep your privacy settings as high as possible.

4)      Never give out your passwords.

5)      Don’t befriend people you don’t know.

6)      Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online.  Speak to your parent or carer about people suggesting you do.

7)      Be aware that not everyone online is who they say they are.

8)      Think carefully about what you say before you post something online.

9)      Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude.

10)   If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to and tell a trusted adult immediately.