Internet Safety for children
The internet can be a fun and educational place if you take the time to think about how to stay safe whilst you are online.
Below are some ideas on how to stay safe:
Never reveal:
- Your true name
- Your address or region
- Your home or cell phone number
- Holiday destinations
- Your date of birth
- Any information of clubs or memberships you belong to
- Your personal password/s
- School name and location
Don’t believe everything you are told. Sometimes adults will use photographs of teenagers and tell you that they are pictures of themselves.
You may find that sometimes someone will ask you to use headsets whilst you talk with them online - You must never agree to this as they are asking you to do so because they do not want anyone to overhear your conversation.
If using a web cam keep in mind:
- The clothing you are wearing whilst chatting
- The location and angle of the camera
- The background behind you. It is important that nothing highlights an address or personal information to help physically locate where you live.
- If you are not using the camera: have it face a wall or unplug the camera.
- If anything is said in a chat room or you see anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or scared then leave the chartroom straight away and tell an adult you trust.
It is recommended that you do not meet with anyone you connect with online especially without first asking your parents.
If your parents agree make sure the meeting is in a public place and tell your parents where you are meeting and the times you are meeting and how long you will be.
If you receive any messages that are mean or make you feel uncomfortable do not respond to them.
The internet can be a place to have fun and learn lots of interesting things if you are safe and respectful to others.
For more information about online safety please take a few moments to look at www.kinsa.net
