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Cyber-Safety:
The 5 Things you should know
ou’ve probably had so many talks about staying safe online, in school and
from your parents. I bet your thinking how much more do I have to learn
about? Isn’t it all the same information? Well, here at Whateva we’ve
experienced all of them daunting talks. So we have 5 easy top tips to help you
remember how to stay safe online and have fun without any risks.
Don’t give out personal
information
The most heard of rule in
history when it comes to online
safety. But it is one of the most
important. Make sure to not give
out any personal information about
yourself, your family or anyone you
know online. This can range from
your address, telephone numbers,
where you are going at the weekend
and where you go to school. The
obvious really – but if you give out
these details, especially to people
you do not know, then you could be
in trouble. The more information
you give out, the higher the chance
someone can steal it and pretend
to be you. Although this may sound
funny that someone wants to be
you, it could put you in trouble as
the person may ‘say’ and ‘do’ things
online which you would never do. Be
careful with what information you
give out and whom you give it to.
Check your privacy
settings
On all social media sites you
have the option to be completely
private, where only your friends can
see what you post. But you also
have the option to be public. What-
eva suggests you stay on private
for everything. Privacy settings also
mean protecting your password. Do
not give your passwords to anyone
other than your parents. It can be
tempting to share passwords with
friends, but this can lead to a risk of
your information being taken and
being put into the wrong hands.
Another little tip would be to change
your passwords every three months
for security reasons.
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Don’t meet up with people
who you do not know
Never meet up with anyone
who you have ‘met’ online. Although
you may feel you have a strong
friendship with this person, you do
not know if it is really them. If this
person is a real friend then they will
understand how you feel and will
not pressure you into meeting up
or doing something that you do not
want to do. Sarah Newton, Youth
Expert says, “If you do meet them,
make sure you know who they say
they are, meet in a crowded place
and take a friend with you”.
Do not be scared to block
and report people
One day something may
happen online that you do not
feel comfortable with. This could
be someone being a cyber bully,
sending horrible messages to you
or forcing you to do something. Tell
someone about it; whether it be
your parents or older siblings, it is
best to tell someone. They will be
able to give you advice and help you
with what has happened. There are
also special organisations such as
Childline and CEO