Chat safe: advice for children and young people
Staying safe while you chat, message or share online is important. Whether you use a phone, tablet or computer, you can protect yourself by knowing what to share, who to trust and what to do if something feels wrong.
Stay safe when chatting online
Think carefully before you send any message, photo or video. Once something is online, you cannot control where it goes or who sees it. Keep your personal details private. This includes your full name, home address, school, mobile number and any photos of you, your friends or your family.
If someone you do not know sends you a message, do not reply. Unknown emails, texts or chat requests can contain harmful links or lead to unsafe websites. The safest option is to delete them straight away.
Speak to an adult you trust
If a message, picture or conversation makes you feel worried, uncomfortable or unsure, talk to an adult you trust. This might be a parent, carer, teacher, school nurse or another trusted adult. You are never bothering anyone by speaking up. It is always the right thing to do.
If someone is unkind or tries to bully you online, do not respond. Save the messages if you can, and tell an adult as soon as possible.
Do not meet people you only know online
People are not always who they say they are. If someone you met online asks to meet in person, always tell an adult you trust. Never go alone.
Quick safety tips
- keep your personal details private
- never arrange to meet someone you only know online
- ask an adult you trust if something doesn’t feel right
- only use a webcam when a parent or trusted adult knows
- always switch off your webcam when not using it
- never join in with harmful or risky online trends
You can find more online safety advice at: internetmatters.org.