It has never been more important to keep yourself safe online. Here are some useful tips from the UK Safer Internet Centre to remember:
- Protect your online reputation and ‘think before you post’. Content posted online can last forever and could be shared publicly by anyone.
- Report anything that concerns you to service providers and use blocking and deleting tools. If something happens that upsets you online, it’s never too late to tell someone.
- Don’t give in to pressure. Remember, if you lose your inhibitions, you’ve lost control and once you’ve pressed send, you can’t take it back.
- Respect the law! Use reliable services and know how to legally access the music, film and TV you want.
- Acknowledge your sources. Use trustworthy content and remember to give credit when using others’ work or ideas.
Students, parents, carers and staff can use the useful links below about how to stay safe online:
- Thinkuknow
- BT Parent guide to online safety
- NSPCC online safety
- Department for Education
- Let’s talk about it
- UK Safer Internet Centre
If you are experiencing online bullying or something else online has worried you, please speak to a member of College staff, an adult you trust, or you can talk to Childline at any time on 0800 11 11 or Childline’s website.
In addition, CEOP helps any young person under the age of 18 who is being pressured, forced of tricked into taking part in sexual activity of any kind. This is something that has taken place either online, in the ‘real world’ or both. The CEOP Safety Centre has clear information and advice on what can be reported to CEOP, the reporting process and what will happen if you do decide to make a report. You can visit the CEOP Safety Centre and make a report directly to CEOP by clicking the button below.
Last updated: 1st June 2022