8.2 Online Safety

Notes

The internet is useful, but it carries risks like scams, bullying, harmful content and strangers with bad intentions.

• Use strong passwords (long, unique, with letters, numbers and symbols) and never share them. Turn on two-step verification.
• Keep personal information private: full name, address, school, phone number and location.
• Use privacy settings and think before you post. Anything you share can be copied and may last forever. This is your digital footprint.
• Be careful with strangers online. People may not be who they say they are. Never agree to meet an online contact alone.
• Watch for phishing messages that pretend to be a company to trick you into giving information or clicking a link.
• Never send or forward private photos. If anyone threatens or pressures you online, do not give in, save evidence and tell a trusted adult right away. It is not your fault.
• Follow the rule: if it feels wrong, stop, block, report and tell someone.