Nottinghamshire County Council logo Advice
Wednesday 20 August 2008

Safe Surfing


More and more people are logging onto the internet everyday for lots of different reasons. Whether it's to find information, play games, talk to your friends or shop the internet is a brilliant thing, but like everything it also has its down side.  Not everyone uses the internet for the right reasons and some people end up having bad experiences.  Below are some tips and useful links to help you make the most of the internet in safety.

Seven Steps to Safe Surfing

1. When in a chatroom never give out personal details such as your real name, address, phone number or bank details.
2. Never agree to meet someone you have only spoken to through the internet, they may not be who they say they are.
3. Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, abusive, threatening or that make you feel uncomfortable in any way.
4. The internet contains lots of useful information. However, not all information found on Web pages is correct. Check all information with other sources i.e other sites, books or a responsible adult.
5. A golden padlock and the letters https:// before a website address mean the site is secure - this is especially important if you are shopping on-line and using your bank or any other personal details.
6. You must install anti-virus software on your computer and it must be up to date.
7. You are losing control of your files and photographs if you publish a personal picture or video online – anyone can change it or share it.

next Take our Stay Safe Surfing Quiz to find out how safe you are online.

Safe Surfing Links

youngpeoplesafeonline.com - Helping you to have fun whilst staying safe on line.

websafecrackerz.com - Fun site aimed at young people with useful information about web safety.

getsafeonline.org - Expert advice for everyone about protecting yourself and your computer.  Take a test to see how safe you are.

itsafe.gov.uk - IT safe is a free UK government service that provides home users and small businesses with warnings and news about computer security problems.

gridclub.com - Grid Club is a safe on-line learning club for young people.  Play the cyber cafe game to find out how to stay safe on-line.

childnet-int.org - A non-profit organisation working with others to help make the internet a great and safe place for children.



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