Here are some tips for keeping yourself safe and for keeping safe while using the internet. The Safer Communities website www.safercommunities.asn.au provides lots of safety tips and gives advice on how to deal with bullying. - Keep away from creeks and abandoned buildings.
- Always tell your parents or care giver where you are going and when you will be back. Call them if you are going to be late.
- Keep to recognised routes when walking to and from school, the beach, parks or shops.
- Make sure you know where the Safety Assist houses are along the routes you take.
- Walk on the footpath on the side that traffic approaches so you can see if a car stops.
- Don't wander off in areas such as National Parks or busy shopping centres as it can be easy to get lost.
- If you're using an iPOD keep the volume down or only use one earplug so you can hear if someone is approaching.
- Don't tell your friends if your parents are going to be away from home.
- Make sure you know emergency numbers. If you have a mobile phone pre-program these and other important numbers into it.
- If something appears on the screen that disturbs you tell your parents or teacher.
- If you hear or see your friends getting into 'unsafe zones' remind them of the potential dangers and how to do the right thing.
- Don't give out personal details (including photos, your name, the name of family members including your mum and dad, your phone number, credit card details etc). Strangers might use your personal information in a way that you never intended.
- Beware that some people in chat rooms are not who they say they are. If someone or something disturbs you leave the chat room.
- Remember not everything you read on the internet is true. Make decisions for yourself on what you think is right and wrong.
- Be careful downloading files and games that are free. You might click on a link that sends you to an 'unsafe zone' or downloads a virus or spyware (a program that 'watches' what you do on the computer and can send details such as your passwords, account numbers or credit card details to others).
- If you need advice talk to your parents, carers or teachers.
If you suspect a person of using an internet chat room to engage in inappropriate behaviour contact police. For more information:Cybersmart Kids www.cybersmartkids.com.au
This site provides a young person's guide to smart 'net surfing, chatting and emailing. e-Safety www.e-safety.org.au Netalert www.netalert.net.au or free call 1800 880 176.
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