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Keeping myself safe online

We know that the world of the internet and social media change so much and it can be hard to keep yourself safe online. We do teach you how to stay safe online and when using technology in school but hopefully this page will help to remind you what you can do.

What is Cyber Bullying?

Cyberbullying is any form of bullying which takes place online or through smartphones and tablets. Social networking sites, messaging apps, gaming sites and chat rooms such as Facebook, XBox Live, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and other chat rooms can be great fun and a positive experience. But what do you do when things go wrong?

Key points: 

  • Anyone who makes threats to you on the internet could be committing a criminal offence. It's against the law in the UK to use the phone system, which includes the internet, to cause alarm or distress
  • Keep safe by using unusual passwords. Use a combination of letters, lowercase, uppercase, symbols and numbers
  • You can also report bullying to an organisation called Report Harmful Content online and they can help to get things taken down

How to get support if things go wrong online:

  • Talk to someone you trust like an adult, or you can always talk to a Childline counsellor at any time on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk

  • Tell the police by making a report to CEOP. You can use the CEOP button on websites is there if you have being pressured, forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity of any kind. This can be something that has taken place either online or in ‘the real world’, or both. The CEOP Safety Centre has clear information and advice on what can be reported to CEOP, the reporting process and what will happen if you do decide to make a report. You can visit the CEOP Safety Centre and make a report directly to CEOP by clicking the Click CEOP button.

  • Plan for the future and change your privacy settings so it doesn’t happen again
  • Report bullying and abuse directly to the website or app

There are links at the bottom of this page if you need them.

In school we learn about the SMART rules and ask you to follow these when online. 

SMART

  • CEOP CEOP helps any child or young person under the age of 18 who is being pressured, forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity of any kind. This can be something that has taken place either online or in ‘the real world’, or both. The CEOP Safety Centre has clear information and advice on what can be reported to CEOP, the reporting process and what will happen if you do decide to make a report. You can visit the CEOP Safety Centre and make a report directly to CEOP by clicking the Click CEOP button below. If you are experiencing online bullying or something else online has worried you please speak to an adult you trust, or you can talk to Childline at any time on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk.

  • Net Aware Your guide to social networks, apps and games, in conjunction with the NSPCC and O2

  • Thinkuknow A series of short interactive videos for both parents and children to watch explaining the different aspects of online safety.

  • Thinkuknow Cyber Cafe A friendly and interactive game for children to play. The game aims to provide the children with real life scenarios and support them in making the correct decision when using the internet.

  • Childnet This website provides useful information and tips as to how you can keep safe online whilst playing online games

  • NSPCC The NSPCC is the UK's leading children's charity, preventing abuse and helping those affected to recover.

  • Childline Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

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