Stay Safe Online

This page contains helpful tips and advice for staying safe when using the Internet. For further information check out the related links.

Three things to remember when using the Internet:

Keep it Private
Keep your private and personal details safe and where possible don’t give them out online.
Block it
Block unwanted messages and never open any unwanted links or attachments.
Tell Someone
If you receive any abusive or offensive messages, or are asked to meet someone, tell a member of staff or somebody you trust.

Staying Safe on Social Networks

Remember - Your social network profile is a public page unless you change your privacy settings, so make sure you only post what you want people to see!
Friends only - It is recommended to set up your page so that only your friends can see your information.
Personal photographs - Be careful about posting photographs of yourself- some people access these sites for illegal purposes.
Keep it general - Share limited information about yourself- keep it general- music, interests, studies etc.
Meeting people - If you arrange to meet someone new, tell you friends or family and meet in a public place, during the day.
If you are concerned about message or contact requests from people using the site, talk to us.

Staying Safe on Blogs

Keep your account details private - Once you have created an account for a Blog, keep your login details safe and do not share them with anyone.
Choose a sensible topic to blog about - Choose a topic for your blog that is sensible and that you think others will enjoy reading about.
Using Avatars & Photo's - Most Blog's let you choose an avatar, when choosing an avatar try to choose something that suits your personality but does not disclose your identity.
Email - If possible, use an email address that will not disclose your personal information, try not to use an email that contains your full name (i.e. joe.bloggs @gmail.com).
Password protect your Blog - Make sure no one else can enter information into your blog.
Personal information - Never enter personal details or anything that can be used to identify you, your friends or your family.
Be nice - Treat other users with respect and only write about people if you have their prior consent.
If you are concerned about message or contact requests from people using the site, or have any questions then talk to us.

Staying Safe on Media Sharing Websites

Staying Safe on Instant Messaging Programs

Read before you register - Most instant messaging applications require you to register before you use them. Make sure you read through and agree to their terms of use before you register. If you are unsure about anything or require further advice get a parent, guardian, teacher or friend to help.
Choose a secure password & keep it safe! - It's best to use a non-obvious password, a random combination of letters and numbers for example. Keep your password safe and never give it out to anyone.
Keep your details private - Never give out your full name, address, contact details or any other information that could be used to identify you.
Secure your IM program - Familiarise yourself with the privacy and security features of your IM program and take time to set these so that your online status is displayed at a level you are comfortable with.
Send & receive files with caution - Only send and receive files from people you know and trust, and make sure you have an up to date antivirus program installed to check the files for viruses and spyware as sometimes even friends can unknowingly send you a virus.
Do not send content sensitive material - Never send bank details, passwords or any other sensitive material over an IM program, because of how the internet works your information is passed on through many computers and you can never be 100% sure that your information is being sent securely over IM.
Ignore, block & report - If someone is bothering you on an IM program use the features to ignore or block them. If they persist or you feel threatened then report their behaviour and tell someone.

Staying Safe using Email

Related Links

Use secure passwords - Make sure your password is secure and cannot be easily guessed by someone. 8 or more characters are recommended with a mixture of letters and numbers.
Change passwords regularly - Change your password regularly (approx every 60 days). This is especially important if you access your email on a public computer which may be infected with spyware that could capture your password as you type it in.
Use Anti Virus software - Anti Virus software will protect your computer from virus and spyware threats (provided it is up to date) that can be passed on by Email.
Check attachments - Always check attachments before you open them and never open an attachment from someone you don’t know as these can contain spyware and/or viruses.
Beware of spam – Spam is the term used for all the junk emails you receive. Most modern email programs have advanced filters to stop these getting into your inbox but always check the senders identity if you are unsure of an email and never reply to spam. This could add your address to a mailing list and consequently generate more spam to your inbox!
Trust no one – Never give out any personal or sensitive information (address, bank details etc) over Email unless you are sending it to someone you know and trust. It is common for spammers and fraudsters to send emails that pretend to be from reputable businesses and sites such as Facebook and HSBC asking for your passwords and personal details. If you receive something like this or you are unsure of the authenticity of an email speak to an adult.

There may also be an option in your email program to report and block the sender.
Respect others - Treat recipients with respect and do not send abusive or offensive emails. If you receive an offensive email you can report this either by speaking to a member of College staff or via the Colleges anti-bullying page.
If you are concerned or unsure about an email message then talk to us.

Email - Online Contact form

Telephone - 01302 553 553