A student is shown on their laptop with books and notes in the background.
Being online with friends and family can be fun and educational, but it’s also important
that you’re safe when you’re online.

Being online

The online world offers a way to research and find information, stay in touch with friends and family, listen to music, play games and more besides.

It is important to be alert to potential dangers too.

These include:

Steps to staying safe when setting up a social media profile

First name or nickname

Use your first name or a nickname when talking online, or when setting up a social networking profile.

Be honest

Be honest about your age.

Choose a password

Keep your account private by choosing a password that others wouldn't be able to guess and only share you password with your parents or guardians.

Set to private

Set your privacy settings to 'private' so that only people who you are friends with can see your photographs, information and posts. A trusted adult may be able to help you with this.

Delete and block

If somebody you don't know adds you as a friend, you can delete and block their request

Avoid sharing personal information

To stay safe, avoid sharing personal information with someone you don't know offline.

Be careful about what you share online​

Support is available​

If you think you or someone you know isn’t safe online and you’re unsure what to do, you can get support. Is there a trusted adult you can talk to about how you feel? You may feel they won’t understand what you are talking about, or will take away your internet access, but sharing your problem with them and talking it through together can be helpful in finding a way to make things better. 

Childline is always here to listen to you and support you if you would like to talk.

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