Web Safety

Now we aren't getting heavy here, just a bit protective - hey, we care! So sue us..... We want everyone to be happy and healthy, and for the most part the internet is a fabulous thing. But, as in all walks of life, it can attract a variety of...let's say unconventional and sometimes downright dubious activity.

Because of that, it makes sense to keep safe out there in the wondrous world of the Internet, just as you would out there in the non-virtual planet. You wouldn't just reveal all your most personal information to a random person on the street now would you? Would you? If you answered yes to this question, get in touch, we've got some Helplines you can call....

Anyway, sneak a peek at the following to keep safe and hassle free...

Always

• Keep your password safe and don't tell anyone else
• Be careful in chat rooms. Just because it says that it's only for young people, there's no way to tell if only young people are using it. It might be someone trying to trick you.
• Use a nickname instead of your real name in chatrooms, or when chatting with anyone on the Internet in any other way.
• If someone says something that makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, then leave the chat room. Make sure you tell someone, either your Mum or Dad, or a carer.
• Be yourself and don't pretend to be someone else - no matter how attractive the option of leading a double life! If you aren't 18 yet then steer clear of sites that say they are for over 18s. It's a huge temptation we know, but trust us - the warnings are there to protect you! If nothing else, it could also end up costing you a fortune on your telephone bills.
• Keep any four letter expletives to yourself - you know what they say, swearing shows a real lack of imagination!
• Don't give out your main (or only) email address. Keep it private. If you want to give out an email address choose a disposable address e.g. a second Hotmail address.
• Before you leave a computer remember to log out of all the sites you have logged on to. This way nobody can pretend to be you, or use services that only you're entitled to use.

A few other Hints n' Tips....

• If you are chatting to people on the internet, then don't tell anyone you talk to any of your personal details, especially your address, telephone number or school etc.
• Don't ever send anyone your picture, any of your bank details, or credit card details without first checking with a responsible adult. You can check if a site is secure by looking to the bottom of your screen for a lock/padlock icon. If it is locked then the site is secure. For more info you can click on the padlock.
• Don't sign up for a get rich quick scheme. If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. If not then it may even end up costing you money.
• Don't arrange to meet anyone unless your parent or carer (or your most responsible friend - you know, the one who saves their money, has got a pension already, that sort of thing) goes with you and you meet in a very public place with lots of people around. As the ads in the cinema suggest the people you contact online are not always who they say they are. No one can check if your 'keypals' are what they claim - because no one can see them.
• Don't open email attachments unless they are from someone you already know and trust. Attachments can contain viruses or other programmes that can destroy all the information and software on your computer. That even includes your latest essay and all the cheaters tips on Championship Manager.
• Don't respond to nasty, suggestive messages, or rude pictures. Tell your parent or carer to report them to your Internet Service Provider immediately.

Young Scot: Rant'n'Rave

Sad to say, Internet predators can use discussion forums and chat rooms to contact and abuse young people. They can be pretty expert at blending in, so you might not even know if you were chatting to one online.

The Rant'n'Rave discussion forum is pretty safe because it is only for young people who have to register, but you can never be too careful. So help us to keep it safe by following these simple rules:

• Never give out personal details like your real name (use a nickname), age, or where you live
• Never give out contact details like your address, email, or phone number
• Never arrange to chat to people on other websites or chat rooms
• Have fun and be yourself (just don’t tell others who you are)

Text Bullying

Another kind of bullying has emerged from all the flashy technology and clever gizmos that are out there. Not content with making people lives a misery in the flesh, now there is the threat of text bullying. New figures from a research company NOP show that thousands of teenagers are victims of text bullying. With over 3.5 million school-age young people now with a mobile the numbers of incidents could rise quite dramatically. Abusive messages can distract you from your work as well as damage your health so it is important that as soon as you receive a nasty message that you tell someone.

Remember that senders of malicious messages can be arrested because it is a criminal offence. Bullies may face up to five years in prison. Don't let them get away with it.

Protect yourself from Text Bullying: 

1. If you get a weird or frightening message save it on your phone.
2. Show it to someone you trust, whether it is a friend, teacher, brother, sister, parent or carer.
3. If you have a pre-paid phone then the good news is that you can report it to your local police station. They can contact your phone provider, because they will have a nuisance call line.
4. If you have a contract phone you can call your mobile provider's customer service line, which you can find on your bill. They will be able to help you.
5. Ask your mobile provider to change your number for free. It may seem inconvenient at the time but if it stops the crank messages and makes you feel safer then it is worth it.
6. Be careful who you give your mobile number to. Ask your friends not to pass on your number to anyone else. Be in control of the number of people you give your number out to.