The internet is a great way to connect with your friends and learn new things. But it’s also important to stay safe.

There are a few ways you can help make sure you’re not in danger when you use the internet.

Childline’s Top 5 tips for keeping safe online:

• Be careful what you share
  Once something is online, it’s out of your control. If you don’t want your parents or teachers to see it, don’t post it.
• Don’t meet people you don’t know in person
  Even if you get on with them online, you never know who they really are
• Use a complex password
  It should be hard for other people to guess your password and it’s a good idea to change it regularly.
• Check your privacy settings
  Check who can see what you post and whether your accounts are public or private.
• Talk about it
  If you see something online that makes you upset or uncomfortable, talk to an adult you trust.

Other helpful resources:

• Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre – Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre delivers a multi-agency service dedicated to tackling the exploitation of children
• Childnet – Childnet International’s mission is to work in partnership with others around the world to help make the Internet a great and safe place for children.
• CEOP thinkuknow – Find the latest information on the sites you like to visit, mobiles and new technology. Find out what’s good, what’s not and what you can do about it.
• Zipit App – Zipit is a free app for you which is designed to provide you with witty images to send in response to a request for explicit images, and advice on how to stay safe – for Android, Apple and BlackBerry smartphones (and iPod touch).
• NSPCC Online Safety  – The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) provides E-Safety advice and support in a digital world.