The list of online dangers seems endless: scams, spam, identity theft, cyberbullying, invasions of privacy, cybercrime, online abuse, malware, and more.
Your computer and phone use can be monitored and hacked without you knowing it. Email can be intercepted, and GPS trackers can be placed in your car or on items like your bag or mobile. An abuser can discover your internet and mobile activities by installing spyware or by simply looking at your search and internet browser history. The good news is there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
Our tips to stay safe and thrive online
Be aware of online predators & bullying
- Be cautious about who you interact with online, especially if someone seems overly interested in you or tries to pressure you to share personal information or meet up. Predators seek to harm children & young people by grooming them for real-life or online abuse.
- Only accept friend requests from people you know in real life, and never agree to meet someone alone.
- If you receive suspicious, uncomfortable or abusive messages from someone online, take screenshots and report them to the platform or website immediately and, when appropriate, report them to the police.
- If someone is harassing you on social media, block them so they can’t contact you.
Protect your privacy & personal information
- Never share your full name, address, phone number, school details, or any other sensitive information that someone could misuse. Be selective about who you add as friends on social media, and avoid revealing personal information in public posts or comments. Pick a username that isn’t your real name and a profile picture that doesn’t show personal information.
- Check your privacy settings and make sure your account is secure. Create unique and complex passwords for all your online accounts.
- Not all links are safe, so proceed with caution. Before clicking on any link, hover over it to see the URL. If it looks suspicious or unfamiliar, don’t click it. Similarly, be wary of opening attachments or files from unknown senders. These could contain malware or viruses that can harm your device or steal your personal information.
- Be wary of public Wi-Fi and avoid making sensitive transactions or accessing personal accounts on public networks.
Be careful what you post & share
Once something is posted online, it’s out there for the world to see, whether you want it to be. Think before you post, and avoid sharing anything that could hurt or embarrass yourself or others,
Take breaks & disconnect
Taking breaks from digital devices and connecting with the real world is essential. Spend time with friends and family, engage in physical activities, and pursue hobbies that don’t involve screens. Disconnecting regularly can help you stay grounded and prevent burnout from excessive screen time.
Hide your internet activity from an abusive partner or family member
To make it more difficult for an abuser to see what you’ve been looking at online, clear your browsing history every time you use it. But be aware that your history can never be completely erased from a computer or device, even if you browse in private or incognito mode. The only 100% safe way is to use a computer your abuser does not have access to and log in anonymously.
Seek help when needed
If you experience cyberbullying, online harassment, or any other issues that affect your online well-being, tell a trusted adult or an organisation that can help.
