Young People

NBD... No Big Deal

Let's face it - when it comes to the Net, we know much more than our parents. Its No Big Deal being able to surf the Net, be in a Chat room and txt your mates on your mobile all at the same time!

Who R U?

You might think you've met some real cool friends in Chat rooms but how can you be sure who you're talking to? The person may be nice and trustworthy, but then again they may not be. I tell my mates not to put too much info in my Chatprofile and never arrange to meet up with anyone you've been chatting to - Chat room mates are best left in cyberspace. You might think you're clued up about using the Net safely, but make sure you look out for your mates and remind them to be very careful and stick to the SMART rules.

Stick to the Positive

The great thing about the Internet is that there are some fab sites out there - many of which have been created by young people! If you find a really cool site which helps you with your homework or hobby tell a friend. Nasty stuff like hate sites, sectarian or pornography are right out! Get a life! - Leave those sicko sites where they belong - in the trash can! Be particularly careful about sites which ask you for lots of personal details! You never know where that information goes!

Mobile Up!

Everyone's texting mad - but its not only your mates who are buzzin your fone! Don't give your mobile phone no. out to anyone you don't know and if you start getting annoying or offensive texts talk to your parent or guardian straight away. Keep your mobile out of sight when you're on the street and make sure you have a security code or PIN to lock your phone.

Keeping Smart Online!

There are some really cool things on the Internet but a lot of bad stuff too. This means we have to be SMART when we are online. See if you can remember these 5 Safety Tips, and then prove to your friends and parents that you are a SMART surfer.

• SAFE - Staying safe involves being careful and not giving out your name, address, mobile phone no., school name or password to people online.
• MEETING someone you have contacted in cyberspace can be dangerous. Only do so with your parent's/carer's permission, and then when they can be present.
• ACCEPTING e-mails or opening files from people you don't really know or trust can get you into trouble - they may contain viruses or nasty messages.
• RELIABLE - Someone online maybe lying about who they are, and information you find on the Internet may not be reliable.
• TELL your parent or carer if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.