Did anyone see Panorama this week? It investigated how safe young people are online. Look here at their site. Here are some other useful sites. Think U Know website. There 4 Me website. CEOP website to report abuse. IWF website to report illegal content.
There was lots of good advice on how to stay safe. The most important things seem to be not to talk to anyone you don't physically know in the real world. So, not talking to a 'friend of a friend' or someone you have never met and can't be sure they are who they say they are. The program also suggested it is not good to have private internet connections in bedrooms with webcams. Because if a potential abuser can see on your webcam that you are in a public area and your parents are around - this is likely to stop them targeting you. I've copied more of the advice from a site below - please do read.
Don'ts - for young people.
Don't: post any personal information (such as your email address or mobile number) on your profile/s.
Don't: post anything online you wouldn't want the world to see.
Don't: continue online conversations that make you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about whom it is you are talking to. Report these to CEOP via their 'report abuse' facility.
CEOP website
Don't: agree to meet anyone you only know via the internet.
Don't: open any attachments or links if you don't know (in the real world) the person who has sent them.
Don't: use your real name in chat rooms - pick a nickname just to use online.
Don't: assume that the people you are chatting to online are really who they claim to be.
Don't: keep any anxieties to yourself about approaches to you or conversations you've had online. Talk to your parents and/or an adult you trust. If not, you can call Childline on 0800 1111.
Dont: accept strangers who contact your online profile as friends say NO or just ignore them. Don't be tempted to say YES.
Dont: agree if someone suggests keeping your chats a secret - tell your parents or a trusted adult.
Sources of help and information
Below is a list of organisations that can offer help and advice on the issues tackled in Panorama: One Click from Danger.
For children
If you believe that you - or another child - are being groomed online or have had someone suspicious contact you online report this.
If you want to make a complaint that you - or another child - are being sexually abused contact your local police and/or social services or Childline: 0800 1111.
If you are concerned about yourself or another child or young person and want to talk to someone, find an adult that you trust to talk to. If you are not able to do this then you can call in confidence, Childline - 0800 1111. Or visit the there4me website.
CEOP says young people online must understand that using the internet as a channel to distribute sexual material of themselves in return for payment could put them at risk not only from sex offenders but potentially lead to prosecution for criminal offences.
For parents
For general advice on how to keep your children safe online go to the parents section of the thinkuknow website.
If you are concerned that someone is grooming your child online report this to the Child Expolitation and Online Centre (CEOP).
For parents and adults
If you know of anyone who is sexually abusing a child, report this to your local police and/or social services or the NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000.
To report a concern or talk to someone about a concern you may have about a child who is potentially at risk of harm call the NSPCC Helpline - 0808 800 5000.
If you have concerns about someone whom you believe has a sexual interest in children call, Stop It Now - 0808 1000 900.
If you have concerns about your own behaviour and/or inappropriate sexual feelings towards a child or children. Stop It Now - 0808 1000 900.
