We’re living in an increasingly online world right now, with virtual lessons and multiple online accounts, we’re all working virtually at some point or another. So, it goes without saying that staying safe online is super important. Check out KC’s tips below:
Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number. We think this is a bit of a given, but don’t share any personal stuff online. You never know who might get hold of it.
Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.
Keep your privacy settings as high as possible; make sure your social profile is on private, check your post sharing settings, make sure everything is water tight.
Think carefully about what you say before you post something online; we see it more and more at the moment, people getting called out for things they’ve posted, both recently and in the past. Remember, once you’ve posted something, it’s there forever and everyone can access it. One of the most common things now is when you apply for a job, your prospective employer will Google you; remember to only post what you’d want those sort of people to see.
Never give out your passwords; you wouldn’t give a stranger your front door keys or your PIN number would you?
Don’t befriend people you don’t know, remember, not everyone online is who they say they are. We’ve all seen or heard of the TV series Catfish.
Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Again, you can’t be 100% sure these people are who they say they are. Speak to your parent or carer about people suggesting you do.
Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude. You wouldn’t be rude to someone in person, so don’t be rude online. Cyberbullying is becoming a huge thing at the moment, if this is happening to you, please reach out to someone; a teacher, parent, guardian or our safeguarding team (staysafe@kidderminster.ac.uk)
If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to and tell a trusted adult immediately.
We’ve had a trundle through the internet and found these interesting resources all about staying safe online, they’re definitely worth a watch!