Safe surfing facts

Beware – people might not be who they say they are.

Chats and message boards are fun, but they can also be dangerous because you don’t know who you’re talking to. Remember, stranger danger – you should use the same rules when you’re online.

When you register or join a new message board or chat room, make sure you tell a trusted adult about it.

Don’t give out your personal information.

Keep your full name, address, mobile number, email address, school name and friends’ full names secret. Otherwise people can use this information to contact you.

Your passwords and nicknames should be secret. If you have to give an online screen name or nickname, never use your real name, and try not to use things that are easy to guess like your parent’s name or a pet’s name.

Never meet up with a web pal.

Never arrange to meet a web pal, no matter how well you think you know the other person or however curious you may be.

If you’re determined to meet a web pal you should always tell a parent or teacher and make sure they go with you.