E-Safety

What is e-safety and why is it needed?

že-safety is a term which means not only the internet but other ways in which young people communicate using electronic media, e.g. mobile phones.

žThis includes keeping your personal information private in chat rooms, social media, emails and when playing online games.

žUnderstanding e-safety can help protect us from online dangers.

How can you use the internet safely?

The internet is full of potential dangers including:

• Cyber predators 
• Cyber bullies - (e.g. nasty messages being sent over Facebook)
• Data theft - (e.g. online con artists stealing our bank details)
• Adult content - (uncensored videos etc.).
  

fortunately, these are easy to avoid by taking certain precautions. 

• Never reveal personal information - including name, home address, phone number and photograph
  
• Only use web sites recommended by teachers or parents
• Use search engines and web sites with filters so that inappropriate content can be filtered out
• Only open emails from people you know
• Only open email attachments from people you know
• Only accept social media friend requests from people you know
• Use the privacy controls on social media - this will minimise the number of people who can read your posts
• Never arrange to face-to-face meet people that you have met online - if you do, then take an adult with you and meet in a public place
• Make sure that your parents know what you are doing online - this includes using social media and chat rooms
• Know how to block people on social media and in chat rooms - block people who send unwanted messages/content
• Report unwanted users - contact the owners of a chat room or social media site if you receive inappropriate attention from other users
• Never post or email pictures of yourself in school uniform
• Never give out the name of your school.

How can you play games on the internet   safely?

Precautions you should take when playing online games are listed below:

• Never reveal personal information - including real name, home address and phone number
• Use a nickname as your game name - instead of using your real name in the game, use a made up one
• Play online games that use anti-virus/anti-spyware software - this helps prevent identity theft
• Know how to block people in the game - many online games allow you to block other users who send inappropriate messages
• Report unwanted users - many online games have facilities for you to report abusive gamers. This can lead to them being banned from the game.