In chat rooms, be careful about who you talk to. Even though the person you talk to might seem like a friend, they might not be who they say they are and will lie just to get your friendship.
To stay safe, take notice of the following safety tips;
- Always use a nickname when you log on and never give out any of your personal details. This includes your full name, address, home telephone and mobile number, email address and even the school you go to.
- If you are in a chat room stay in the public area of the site, where everyone else can see the conversation and you should be safer. Try to avoid one-to-one conversations in a chat room.
- If someone you are talking to becomes or abusive or sends you something you don’t like, tell a parent or carer.
- Be careful of meeting up with someone you make friends with online. If you decide to meet them then make sure it is in a public place and never go alone. Take a responsible adult with you.
- If you are worried or upset about anything that someone has said to you or sent you, then you should talk to an adult you know well and ask for help.
You can also contact the police by visiting your local police station or calling (0116) 222 2222. Alternatively you can call
Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.
