Online Safety
- Watch your back – when posting online, pause and think. If it feels uncomfortable – don’t do it.
- Got a nickname? Think about using a nickname instead of your real name.
- Check your settings – Use the privacy and security settings on social media sites so that only friends and family can see your pages. Even if your account is locked as private, personal information you have shared with others could still be accessed through their pages.
- Mother’s maiden name – Don’t use your mother’s real maiden name as password or a bank security answer. It doesn’t whether you use the real one so make up a name that only you know. Just make sure you remember it.
- Guard personal information – Don’t post any personal information – your address, email address or mobile number publicly online.
- Photos and videos – Be careful about which photos and videos you share on social media sites – avoid photos of your home, work, school or places you’re associated with as other people may be able to see it and download it.
- Check what’s needed – Don’t give out information online simply because it’s asked for – think whether whoever is asking for it, really needs it.
- Direct message if you can – It’s always possible to send a direct message or private message on social media platforms. If you’re having a personal chat, this is the best option to go for.
- Delete old accounts – If you’ve stopped using a social media site or forum. then close your account down.
- Get anti-virus software
- Be smart, be safe: meeting someone you met online
Useful Contacts
- www.chatdanger.com
- www.bullyingonline.com
- www.thinkuknow.co.uk