Internet Safety

The internet can be a great tool for keeping in touch with people, chatting to your friends, finding out information, talking in chat rooms and forums to people with similar interests, finding out when and where things are happening, you name it. Here are some tips to help you do all that without putting yourself in danger:

If something appears on your screen that disturbs you, tell you parents or teacher. Or if you feel more comfortable phone the NetAlert helpline on free call 1800 880 176.
Remember you won't get into trouble by letting people know what you've stumbled across.
Keep all personal information to yourself (including photos, your name, the name of your family members, your phone number, credit card details, etc).
Chat rooms are great ways to talk to people but beware that some people in them are not who they say they are. If someone or something disturbs you in a chat room, leave and find a more friendly one.
Remember not everything you read on the Internet is true. Be smart and make decisions for yourself on what you think is right and wrong. Get another opinion if in doubt.
Be careful downloading free files and games. Sometimes people can trick you into clicking on a link that sends you to an ‘unsafe zone' or makes your computer download a virus or spyware.
Only give your mobile phone number to your family and friends. If you start getting upsetting or annoying text messages, tell a teacher or parent.
If you hear or see your friends getting into ‘unsafe zones' remind them of the potential dangers and how to do the right thing.
Always seek help from adults or friends. Mum and Dad might not be as internet savvy as you, but they'll have some good ideas about what to do.

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