Internet Safety

Think! mobile phones!

Texting, emailing, chatting and video messaging are now part of normal life and mostly do not cause any problems but do you know:

  • Who has your number, or where it might end up?
  • Where might the pictures you send end up?
  • If it's an adult or a young person you're talking to? How can you tell when you can't see them?
  • How do you know they are who they say they are?
  • If your picture is on the net it is almost impossible to remove it, and technology means anyone can manipulate it and use it in all sorts of ways without you knowing.
  • To think before you send, as half the world could see it

Think! surfing the web!

The way to stay safe online is the same as it is in everyday life. Understand the dangers and follow some simple guidelines to help you stay safe.

  • Be careful about sites that ask for lots of personal details, you never know where that information goes.
  • If you see anything on a website that upsets you, turn off the screen, and tell an adult you trust.
  • Avoid opening pop ups as much as possible - they could contain a virus.

Think! chat rooms!

  • You might think you've some real cool friends in chat rooms or through Instant Messaging, like MSN, but how can you be sure who you are talking to?
  • The person may appear friendly and trustworthy but then again they may not be.
  • If you haven't met them in real life, you need to remember that they're a stranger. 'Stranger Danger' still applies!
  • If you have any doubts, check it out with an adult you trust

Grooming - what is grooming?

This is the term used when an adult gradually gets to know a child and young person by pretending they are safe and friendly, when in fact they plan to abuse them or try to have sex with them. Grooming is now a criminal offence.

Who are these people?

  • Adults who may pretend to be a young person and who make contact with you via a mobile phone or in internet chat rooms.
  • Adults who want to know lots of details about you and who want to meet you. Adults who may claim that they love you.
  • Adults whose intention is to have sex with you.

Grooming - did you know?

  • The number of adults attempting to groom children and young people across Scotland is increasing.
  • The people who sexually abuse children and young people are not always strangers: they can be friends, family members or other trusted adults.
  • They may go out of their way to be friendly and to get you to trust them; this makes it easier for them to hurt you without getting caught.
  • So you think you know more than adults when it comes to technology? You're probably right
  • However; there are some things you should know to help keep you safe.

Never…

  • Give out your name, address or telephone number to people you don't know
  • Give out personal bank information or details
  • Arrange to meet with people alone - always take a friend or trusted adult and
  • Always arrange to meet in a public place

Don't…

  • Engage in sexual talk
  • Go into adult chat rooms
  • Use a web cam without telling an adult you trust
  • Be a bully, such as 'happy slapping'

Online abuse