Using the internet safely
Some chat rooms can be fun but check out these tips to make sure you stay safe:
If you're asked for a screen name to use in a chat room use a nickname, never your real name.
If you're in a chat room and you start feeling uncomfortable about what someone's saying, log off and tell an adult you trust straight away.
If you use chat rooms remember that people sometimes make stuff up to try and be your friend. Someone who seems really cool and seems to understand you may not be telling the truth about who they are.
If you get an e-mail telling you not to tell your parents or carer about it, don't reply and tell the parent or carer straight away.
If you meet someone in a chat room who tries to turn you against your parents, teachers or friends, stop chatting to them and tell someone you trust.
It can be dangerous meeting someone you have only been in touch with online. If you talk about meeting up make sure you tell your parent or carer. If you do arrange to meet someone, it's better not to go alone (until you get to know them). Ask an adult or a friend to go with you or meet up as part of a big group - it might help stop you feeling nervous as well! Arrange to meet in the day, somewhere public like a cafe.
It may seem a pain but make sure someone like a parent or carer knows when you're online.
Be careful with any email attachments or links that people send you – they might contain viruses that can really mess up your computer.
It's illegal to download some of the music, games and images you find online – if in doubt, ask an adult you trust!
Buying things online
It can be wicked buying stuff online and whether you’re buying CDs, games or clothes you can often get a better deal by shopping online.
