The internet can be great fun and you can find all sorts of amazing things. Sadly the internet is also used by people to do bad things. That means you need to know how to stay safe online. Here are a few tips to help you:

• Talking to people online does not mean that you know them. Sometimes people pretend to be someone else.
• Never share personal details like your full name, address, e-mail address and phone numbers in a discussion forum or chat room. It’s best not to share details of places you go to a lot, or pictures of yourself. Sharing these details makes it easier for a stranger to find you.
• If someone invites you online to meet up with them remember that you can’t be sure who they really are. If you do meet up with someone always take an adult with you and only meet in a public place, not at their home.
• Everyone you meet online is a stranger, even though they might seem like a friend.
• Never share pictures of your friends or family without their permission.

To find out more about staying safe online click on ‘back to info’ above left, then the ‘Links’ tab, and then click on the ThinkUKnow link.