Lucy Stevens - 5th February 2024
We know you’re fed up of being told how to keep safe online but the fact is that it’s super important you know how to be wise online. Technology is evolving and you need to have your wits about you!
All good things need some wisdom!
Whenever adults talk about the internet, they’re always negative about it, right? The truth is the internet is amazing! It’s given you Tik Tok, Snapchat, Insta and numerous gaming channels. It’s helped you make friends, learn new skills, capture your finest moments and find others who like the same stuff you like. You know exactly how to use it and it’s a big part of your life. What’s not to love?
Like anything good in life, the internet demands some wisdom. We all know sweets are super tasty, but we also know we have to be sensible about how much we have and that we may have to take some steps to avoid any damage to our teeth. So, we don’t eat them too often and we brush our teeth well when we do.
The internet is the same. There is all this incredible stuff out there. It’s fun, it’s a laugh, but we need to be smart. We need to take certain steps to make sure our private data is protected, to make sure no-one dangerous can find us or contact us, to avoid being scammed and to make sure the internet stays being fun and doesn’t become enemy number one. Here’s our simple guide to staying safe online this #SaferInternetDay.
- Put all your social media accounts on private.
- Speak only to people you know online.
- Don’t share your location.
- Don’t share your school logo on public information. Make sure it’s not visible in photos of you, for example.
- Never agree to meet someone you met online, who you don’t know or haven’t met before.
- Only get apps suitable for your age group.
- Always cover your web camera because hackers can hack your camera and see you.
- Tell a trusted adult if you are worried about anything online. This is super important!
- Keep your personal details private and only give them to your friends and family.
- Do not send photos of yourself.
You have the power!
It’s also wise to think about things that identify you. For instance, use a username rather than a real name where you can. Also, don’t be shy about blocking people. If someone is making you uneasy or is requesting to follow you when you don’t know them, just block them – it’s better than being scammed. Don’t ever give out your number, name or address to a stranger. Think of your personal data as gold. It’s valuable to lots of people from large companies to criminals. You have it, they want it. Would you bump into someone on the street and just hand over your gold watch or your diamond earrings? No? Exactly. Be smart!
You’ve grown up online and you are part of the community it holds. You can make it a better place for those who use it now and those who’ll use it in future. Report bad stuff. Don’t hate on others. Be kind. Be wise. Be a power for good.
If you’re having problems online and you want to talk to someone. You can always speak to Sandra, Paul or your EFS social worker. If you don’t have their number, just call 01206 299775 and we’ll put you in touch.
Eastern Fostering Services - The small agency with a strong family feel
