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, teachers or future employers 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. Find out more about grooming.
- 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.
- Set up 2-factor authentication - 2-factor authentication adds another layer of security to your password by asking for another piece of information. For example, you might need to enter your password and then enter a code you’re sent via text message. It’s much more secure as passwords can be guessed or cracked.
- 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.
- Be careful which websites you're using - Make sure any website you’re using has “https” at the start of the address so that you know it’s secure. Only enter your log in details when you’re absolutely sure it’s the right website, that the address is correct and it’s using https (at the front of the link in your browser bar).
- Watch out for fake news - check the source, look for evidence, read the article carefully before making a decision, ask someone you trust.
Useful Websites - just click on the link
Think you know - games for children aged 4-7
Think you know - games for children aged 8-11
BBC OwnIt - guide to staying safe online
