Staying Safe Online
The internet can be used for a range of amazing things like learning, sharing your passions, and connecting with people. Unfortunately, though, because the internet is so big and can be used in so many different ways, some people use the internet to harm others. It is important when you are using the internet to understand how you can protect yourself and stay safe.
What is cyber-bullying?
One of the most common ways that young people are harmed on the internet is through cyber-bullying. Cyber-bullying is when someone uses technology to bully someone else through things like sharing content or sending messages that are intended to harm or upset the person being bullied. Cyber bullying can take many forms like:
Name calling
Repeated unwanted messages
Spreading rumours or lies
Fake accounts used to harass people
Excluding people from social activities
Posting embarrassing pictures or videos
What can you do about cyber-bullying?
Being cyber-bullied is never your fault, but there are some things you can do to help protect yourself against cyber-bullying.
If you see it happening to someone else, you can check in on the person to see if they are okay. This can help them to feel less alone and empower them. You can then help them out by using the next few tips.
Don’t reply - don’t engage with the bully as this may make things worse.
Take screenshots – Save evidence of what happened so you can show the right people.
Report the bullying – you can often report cyber-bullying to the website itself.
Block the bully – you can often block accounts that you don’t want to have contact with anymore.
Talk to someone you trust – talk to a trusted family member or teacher for advice.
Talk to Netsafe – Netsafe can give you free advice about how to handle the issue.
Other things to look out for
The internet can be used for a range of amazing things, but unfortunately it can also be used in ways that harm others. These are a few of the more common ways people use the internet in harmful ways, that you can keep an eye out for to help protect yourself and friends.
Grooming – grooming is when someone tries to build a relationship with a person to try and sexually exploit them. Groomers will try to get close to you through things like pretending to share your interests, giving you lots of attention, sharing secrets or personal information with you, or even buying you things. Groomers will also often want to keep their relationship a secret, which is a big red flag. To read more about grooming and what to do to protect yourself, check out this Netsafe article.
Upsetting content - sometimes you might find or be sent upsetting content on the internet. If you do come across something that has upset you, you can report it to the website it happened on so you don’t see it again and talk to someone you trust about it. Talking to someone you trust can help you process what you saw and work out what you should do next. If you want to read more about what ot do when you see upsetting content, check out this Netsafe article.
Doxxing – doxxing is when someone shares your personal information online without your permission. This can include information like your name, address, the school you go to, your phone number, or information about your family. When this happens you should report it to the website it is on, tell the people you are close with what happened, make sure all your passwords are safe, and if you know the person, ask them to take the information down. To read more about doxxing and how to protect yourself, check out this Netsafe article.
If you are ever unsure, or upset by something that has happened online, Netsafe can provide free advice around any online incident – just call them at 0508 638 723 or visit their website here.
