Computing
How do I stay safe online?
Quick answer
Staying safe online means keeping personal details private, using privacy settings and strong passwords, being kind, and telling a trusted adult if anything worries you.
In one sentence
Online safety means using the internet in a way that keeps you, your information and other people safe and happy.
Explained
The internet is brilliant for learning, playing and staying in touch. Like crossing the road, it is safest when you know a few simple rules.
Keep personal details private. Your full name, home address, school, phone number, passwords and photos that show where you live or go to school are private information. Do not share them with people you only know online, even if they seem friendly. Use a nickname in games instead of your real name.
Tell a trusted adult. If something online makes you feel worried, upset, scared or confused, tell a parent, carer or teacher. This includes messages that are unkind, people asking you to keep secrets, or anyone asking for photos or to meet up. You will not be in trouble for telling. Adults can help you block and report, too.
Use privacy settings. Ask an adult to help set up apps and games so only people you know can see your things or message you.
Make strong passwords and keep them secret. A good trick is three random words joined together. Only share passwords with your parents or carers.
Think before you post or believe. Once something is online, it can be hard to delete. Be kind in what you write. And not everything online is true; learn to tell fact from opinion and check with trusted sources.
Most of the time, the internet is a friendly place. These habits just make sure it stays that way for you.
My online safety rules
- I keep my full name, address, school and phone number private.
- I tell a trusted adult if something worries me.
- I only chat with people I know in real life.
- I keep my passwords secret, except from my parents or carers.
- I am kind online, just like offline.
- I ask before I download or buy anything.
Examples
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| A pop-up says you won a prize | Close it and tell an adult. Don't click. |
| Someone is unkind in a game chat | Don't reply. Block, report and tell an adult. |
| A new online friend wants to meet | Never meet anyone from online. Tell an adult straight away. |
| A friend asks for your password | Keep it secret, even from friends. |
Common mistakes
- Thinking you'll be in trouble for telling. Adults would much rather know, and they can help.
- Using one password everywhere. If someone guesses it, they can get into everything.
- Believing online profiles. People online may not be who they say they are.
Quick quiz
Online safety
Check what you know with 4 quick questions.
Question 1 of 4
Someone you only know from a game asks which school you go to. What should you do?
Practise it
Try it
For grown-ups
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