ONLINE SAFETY

• When registering with services you will be asked to give personal information like an email and sometimes your home address. Check the terms and conditions to see what use is made of this information before signing up.
• Use a pseudonym for your username to help you stay anonymous. This should be something that doesn't identify your real name such as 'Happysurfer'.
• Avoid giving information that can help someone research your identity, such as name of school or clubs you are a member of.
• Do not give out personal information such as phone numbers or email addresses in a public place like your profile or in forums.
• Think twice before posting a photograph of yourself in your profile. You may choose to use the default image that comes with the service to avoid being identified.
• Do not post any information about yourself that you wouldn't be happy for the world to know. It may not be easy to remove this from the site in question should you need to and will be available to any individual or public body should they want to find out more about you.
• On social networking sites or on Instant Messenger, avoid accepting a contact request from a stranger unless you feel sure they are legitimate. Perhaps spend time researching who their friends are and if possible the types of messages they have sent others.
• Check to see whether the site allows you to block contacts from individuals.
• Remember, photographs and information about strangers you come across online can be completely fictitious. Be careful who you trust!
• Never agree to meet someone face-to-face.
• Check whether the settings on the service allow you to block attachments such as files and images, which can contain viruses.
• Report anyone who misuses the service.
• Check to see if it is easy to delete your account and leave the service if you choose to.

For advice on how to use communities online safely visit:

http://tcs.cybertipline.com
http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
http://www.chatdanger.com

Back