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Use of the Internet (advice for teens and parents)

Surfing Safely: Tips for Young People

Chat rooms and messaging can be great fun, but remember, you never really know who you are talking to online. It could be someone trying to trick you, some kind of weirdo, or someone really dangerous.

Here are some tips to help you keep safe: 

  • Never use your real name in chat rooms - pick a special online nickname. 
     
  • Never ever tell anyone personal things about yourself or your family - like your address or telephone number, or the school or clubs you go to. That goes for sending them photos as well (that way if you don't want to hear from them again, you only have to log off). Remember, even if somebody tells you about himself/herself, never tell them things about you. 
     
  • If you arrange to meet up with someone you've only spoken to online, remember that they might not be who they said they were, so only meet people in public places and take along an adult - the person you have spoken to online should do this too, because they don't know who you really are either! 
     
  • Never respond to nasty or rude messages, and never send any either! If you feel suspicious or uncomfortable about the way a conversation is going, or if it's getting really personal, save a record of it and stop the conversation. That way you can show someone and ask what they think. 
     
  • Be careful with any email attachments or links that people send you - they might contain nasty images, or computer "viruses" that could ruin your PC. If you don't know who it's from, don't open it. 
     
  • Avoid sites that are meant for adults. You might be curious, but sometimes these sites can be difficult to get out of; costs can be added to your phone bill; and the site managers can detect your email address and start sending you material you really don't want to get. If you see rude pictures where they shouldn't be, always let an adult know so they can get them removed. 
     
  • Agree on some rules with your parents or carers about what you can and can't do on the Net. It will save arguments later. 
     
  • Don't let the Net take over your life! Keep up your other interests and try to use the Internet together with friends and family, not just on your own.

Useful Links

For Parents: Help Your Child Surf in Safety

  • Place the computer where the whole family can use it, rather than out of sight such as in a bedroom.
    Search for positive and fun sites. Many TV programmes and children's media suggest good sites to visit, in addition to their own. 
     
  • Talk with your children to discuss what kinds of sites they are allowed to visit. Then, check regularly to make sure that they stay within these agreed limits. 
     
  • Tell your kids not to give out their personal details, including their name, address, telephone number or school to anyone over the Net. Use of an online nickname can help here, as long as they do not pretend to be a completely different person. Make sure they do not accept gifts (electronic or otherwise) from strangers, or arrange meetings with new friends unless you go with them. 
     
  • Chat sites are the main way to meet people online and can be lots of fun. But since they can be open to misuse, make sure your children are as cautious of strangers online as they would be in the real world. If they see or receive any obscene, abusive or threatening messages, they should not respond. They should let you know, and you should consider telling your Internet service provider. Some chat rooms are moderated, so messages get screened to some extent, but this is not an absolute guarantee. 
     
  • Filtering software is available to screen out some inappropriate sites. But filters aren't foolproof - sites and users can get round them - so do stay involved. 
     
  • Make sure your children know that they should tell you if they come across anything bad. If you or your child come across material that is illegal or harmful, be prepared to report it to the Internet service provider and the Internet Watch Foundation (the IWF acts against material which is dangerous or against the law but cannot do anything about material that is offensive). 
     
  • Limit the time your children spend online - not only does this keep phone expenses down, it also stops the Internet taking over their lives.

Useful Links

 



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