- Choose passwords carefully – make them difficult for other people to guess and don’t share them with anyone.
- Log off your computer when you’re not using it and activate your mobile’s security PIN.
- If you’re using a public or shared computer, cancel any auto login or ‘remember me’ functions.
- Don’t pretend to be older than you are. Age restrictions on websites are there for good reasons and if you lie about your age when you register, you’ll probably be found out.
- Use a different ID for chat rooms, social networking sites and blogs – not the one you normally use for email or Instant Message (IM).
- Protect your mobile number, email/IM address and profile ID – only give them to people you know and trust and ask your friends not to give out your details without your permission.
- Make the most of the safety and privacy controls offered by your internet, social networking and mobile providers, such as safe search engines, privacy controls on Web profile pages, and PIN locks on mobiles.
- Respect the online community – look out for your friends and respect other people’s contributions to it.
- Report any content or message that you feel is inappropriate, malicious or potentially illegal to your internet, social networking or mobile provider – even if the sender has set up an email pseudonym, fake profile or temporary mobile number, the provider will be able to trace them via their IP address or mobile account and will take action if they have contravened their terms of service.
- The internet is a public place, so think before you post anything online.
- Don’t reply to any messages that make you feel uncomfortable – either by email, IM, Web postings, voicemail or text – as it might make the situation worse. Save copies of the messages and note down the times and dates.
- If you decide to meet up with someone you have chatted to online, take a parent or another adult you trust with you.
- Read the small print in adverts for premium rate services and get permission from a parent or carrier before accessing them – or you could run up huge phone bills.
- Respect copyright – you’re not allowed to use copyright content without authorization, so think carefully about using things like TV, film and music clips that are other people’s creations.
- Remember that camera phones may be prohibited (or inappropriate) in certain places, such as changing rooms, and that you should always get permission before you take a photo/video of someone else.
- If you have concerns about anything that’s happening in your digital space, talk to your teacher, your parent or carrier, or another adult you trust.
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