Internet Safety and cyberbullying
People who sexually offend against children and young people use Internet chat rooms aimed at young people, to try and meet up with them. If you are in a chat room and have made a friend with someone in there, be aware that they may not be who they say they are. They could easily lie about their age, interests etc. and you would not know. If you ask them for a photo, they could send you a photo of someone else. Remember, you can never be sure who you are communicating with in a chat room. However well you think you know someone, they’re still a stranger until you’ve seen them in the flesh.
Do not give out any personal information over the internet, i.e. in chat rooms, or when gaming (playing an interactive game on-line). Do not tell anyone your address, telephone number etc. Choose a ‘nickname’ to use when in chat rooms or gaming, rather than your real name. Don’t ever choose anything that is sexually suggestive.
We would advise you not to meet anyone you have communicated with via the Internet. However, if you do arrange to meet with someone, make sure you take a parent/carer with you and that you meet in a public, busy place.
Make sure you only enter chat rooms and websites that are suitable for your age.
If someone is using sexual or threatening language towards you in a chat room, leave it straight away and report it to the people/person who run the chat room.
For detailed information about how to stay safe online, visit www.kidsmart.org.uk
www.chatdanger.com
www.thinkuknow.com
www.ceop.gov.uk
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