How to keep safe - Internet

You probably use the internet on a regular basis, whether it be to check out the latest music or sports news, checking your e-mails, buying CDs or DVDs, chatting to your friends or just generally browsing.  But how sure are you that you are protecting yourself whilst online?

Stay safe - follow our rules for safe surfing!!

• Be cautious - people can lie about who they are on the internet.
• Never arrange to meet anyone you chat to online.  You don't really know who they are.
• Never give out personal information in chat rooms unless you are in private chat and are 100% certain you know who you are speaking to.
• Never post personal information such as your telephone number or address on online noticeboards - you are effectively giving millions of people access to your details!
• Don't broadcast personal information on a personal webpage or social network site - remember these are accessible by anyone.
• Never reply to spam or phising e-mails.  Real banks will never ask you to forward your account details in an e-mail, if you do, you could become a victim of identity fraud.
• If you upload photographs or videos to any webpage, anyone can have access to them.  They could end up anywhere.  Think twice!
• If a website asks you for personal details, think about it, are you sure the website is legitimate?  If you have a suspicion, you're probably right!
• If you come across any person acting suspiciously online, or any website which doesn't feel right, report it!  Visit the Think U Know website!

What is personal information?

Personal information is anything that can be used to identify you, such as:

• Full name
• Address
• Home telephone number
• Mobile telephone number
• E-mail address
• School
• Bank details
• Photographs
• IM address

Be careful when sharing this information with anyone, it could cause you problems further down the line!

Other internet safety tips

• Watch your e-mails!  Don't reply to or open any attachments on spam e-mails.  They could damage your computer!
• If someone adds you as a friend on MSN or a social network site, only confirm them if you actually know them.
• Instead of uploading pictures of yourself on your profile page, upload a cartoon character you like or take advantage of the design tools some websites have to create a virtual version of you!
• Make sure you or your parents keep protection software switched on and up to date.