Relationships

The Internet

The teenager's guide to staying safe in cyberspace

The internet is a great communication tool and can help you learn new things, get information, meet new people and have lots of fun.

It’s a huge part of our daily lives and over the past decade, it’s opened up a whole new way to keep in touch with friends and making new friends. There are some dangers too, but with a bit of streetsmart, you can stay safe.

• Use a nickname if you aren't 100% sure that you know who you are talking to.
• Don't give out personal information on message boards, social networking sites or in chatrooms
• If you really want to meet someone, take someone with you, go somewhere public where it's busy and make sure someone else responsible knows where you are.

If you need more in-depth advice take a look at the links on the right or ask to speak to a youth adviser in school, college or Connexions Centre.

Cyber Bullying

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that happens when you're on the internet or your mobile phone, for example when you’re texting, using instant messenger or a social networking site like Bebo, Facebook or Myspace.

Some of the things cyberbullies do is to exclude someone from an online group on purpose, send rude or angry message, or spread rumours which are untrue or hurtful.

Cyberbullying can also be when someone sends messages via text. It could be a message about another person or a video clip or picture of them that they would not want to be sent.

Dealing with cyberbullying

Getting help

If cyberbullying is affecting you and you'd like to speak to someone in confidence about what you can do, you can contact a youth adviser in school, college, youth centre or Connexions Centre. You can also contact ChildLine - all calls are free and confidential, and the helpline is available 24 hours a day.

Find out more about cyberbullying

Page updated: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 5:21 PM