Here are some top tips for parents to share with their children to help keep them safe online. The tips are taken from www.kidsmart.org.uk:
Be SMART on the Internet
- S – SAFE – Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information when chatting or posting online. Personal information includes your email address, phone number and password.
- M – MEETING – Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents’ or carers’ permission and even then only when they can be present. Remember online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time.
- A – ACCEPTING – Accepting emails, IM Messages or opening files, pictures or texts from people you dont know or trust can lead to problems – they may contain viruses or nasty messages.
- R – RELIABLE – Someone online might lie about who they are and information on the internet may not be true. Always check information wiht other websites, books of someone who knows.
- T – TELL – Tell your parent, carer or a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried ot it you or someone you know is being bullied online. You can report online abuse to the police at www.thinkuknow.co.uk