As long as you use your head there is no need to worry about the Internet. Just follow our web wise "Do’s" and "Don’t’s":


Do

• Remember you are in control on the Internet. You choose what sites to visit and who to talk to. If you stumble into a site you don’t like, just leave. Likewise, if you don’t want to chat to someone, you don’t have to. You have the power to block messages from anyone who is annoying you or making you feel uncomfortable.
• Use your imagination to create a fun, unique profile. Don’t include any personal information in your profile and always use an alias that protects your real name. Instead try using a nickname, your favourite band or movie character.
• Let your parents, teacher or ISP (Internet Service Provider) know if you are being pestered by someone online or if you encounter any information or websites that you find upsetting or uncomfortable. You are not responsible for someone else’s behaviour or the contents of websites so don’t worry about getting into trouble, it is best to be honest.
• Try to use well-known chat rooms with moderators or channel operators. Moderators are chat room referees who are in charge of the chat room and make sure that everyone logged in keeps to the rules. Moderators have the power to ban users who break the rules by swearing at or ‘flaming’ other people. Remember, moderators can’t see what is said in private or instant messages so try to stay in the main chat room with the other users and report any disturbing private messages to a moderator.
• It’s not a good idea but if you do meet up with someone you’ve chatted to online, always tell an adult where you will be and try to take one or two friends along with you. Only meet in busy areas like shopping centres and leisure centres. If the person you are meeting turns out to be dodgy or you get a bad feeling about them, just leave. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Don't

• Give out any personal information like your name, address, telephone number or where you go to school to strangers on the Web. You wouldn’t give this information to strangers in the street and it is just as dangerous to give it online.
• Send any pictures of yourself or your friends and family to people you don’t know.
• Give your Internet password to your friends or other online users.
• Respond to abusive messages. Even if someone sends you something really upsetting it is best not to retaliate. A lot of times these people only want to get a reaction and if you give it to them, it can just make the situation worse.
• Never accept files or attachments from people you don’t know as they could contain computer viruses that could damage your computer.