TOP 14 TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR ONLINE SAFETY
Do’s:
1. Keep your personal information private online
Only share with people you know like friends and family. Ensure that you have met these people in real-life and not only online. Ask a trusted adult, like a teacher or family member to help you change your privacy settings so that strangers can’t see your online posts and status updates.
2. Tell a trusted adult if you are being bullied (online or in person)
If another person is being mean and sending you nasty messages, a trusted adult will be able to assist you in collecting evidence and report the person, whether it be to a teacher, the school, the bullies parents or even the police.
3. Be kind to others online
Treat a person like you would treat them in real life and always remember to be kind and respectful.
4. Use long, strong passwords
Ask a trusted adult to assist in creating a long, strong password or passphrase that is easy to remember and difficult for others to guess.
5. Always check before using a new device or downloading an app
A trusted adult will assist in checking to see if the device is safe and secure with the correct privacy settings in place.
6. Inform a trusted adult if you see something online that you don’t like
This includes anything that upsets you, makes you feel sad or anything that you are unsure about.
7. Use the internet to have fun and to help you find out information about things
Remember to ask your trusted adult for help and always use secure search engines so that the information you get back is safe.
Don’ts:
1. Accept friend requests from strangers or people you don’t know
Always inform a trusted adult if someone you don’t know tries to contact you online.
2. Spend too much time on your device
Instead, go out and play with your friends, get some fresh air and try to exercise more. This will help you stay fit and healthy.
3. Reply to messages from online bullies or people who send you nasty messages
The most important thing to do is to tell a trusted adult and then block the person from contacting you.
4. Copy people’s work online or pretend it is yours
This is called plagiarism and can get you into a lot of trouble.
5. Be mean or nasty online
Behave online like you would in real-life and don’t post anything that can make you look like a bad person. Things that you post online will stay there forever.
6. Use your devices close to bedtime
This will allow your brain to rest so that you can get a good nights rest, stay focussed at school and perform better in class
7. Share personal information on the internet with strangers
Always tell a trusted adult if someone you don’t know asks for your personal information.
What is a Trust Adult?
Having trusted adults in your life is important. Trusted adults are people you can turn to when you have a problem, when something bad is happening to you, or when you have embarrassing or difficult questions. Trusted adults may range from your parents to teachers to religious leaders. To find a trusted adult, make a list of adults in your life, decide which of these adults makes you feel safe and respected, and who you think will listen and help you out when you have a problem.
Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.
For more information on how to keep yourself, your business and your family safe online follow Cyber Angels SA on any of our Social Media channels.
