National, free online mental wellbeing community

Staying safe online means being aware of the possible risks, understanding how to protect yourself and knowing what to do in the event of an issue arising. Some of the major concerns facing young people online are linked to social networking sites and mobile apps. These can be great ways to connect with your friends and share photos, videos and other forms of media, but understanding the risks of sharing information online is important. It is easy to think that sharing a message, image or video with your friends means it can't be viewed and shared by others. This may not necessarily be the case, so always think before you share any personal information online; once it's out there, it's impossible to take back.

There are major risks associated with befriending people online that you don't know in real life. Often predators will use the anonymity of the Internet to befriend young people and frequently pose as another young person to establish a connection with them. This is known as grooming and victims often become vulnerable to forms of physical or emotional abuse by the person or people who have been grooming them.

Cyber-bullying (or trolling) is another major issue that young people face online. Victims of this type of abuse often suffer from depression and anxiety as a result, but there is always a way to put a stop to it.

If you feel you, or someone you know, are the victim of grooming or cyber-bullying, tell someone you trust about it, such as a parent or member of staff. If you would like any advice, you can speak to Mrs Curtis in school.

If you would rather seek advice, please use the Click CEOP button below.

Further Information

Links

• Childline - Online and Mobile Safety
• Childnet - 11-18
• Childnet - Teachers and Professionals
• NSPCC - Online Safety
• Think U Know
• EST-E Safety
• Home - Kooth

 

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