Digital and information

Internet safety guidance from your library

Surfing the internet can be great fun, but here are some SMART rules that will keep you safe while you surf:

• Safe - keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information such as your name, e-mail address, home address, phone number or school name to people who you don't trust online.
• Meeting - someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents' or carers' permission and even then only when they can be present.
• Accepting - emails, IM messages, or opening files, pictures or texts from people you don't know or trust can lead to problems - they may contain viruses or nasty messages!
• Reliable - someone online may be lying about who they are, and information you find on the internet may not be reliable
• Tell - your parent, carer or a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried. Report online abuse to the Police.

Internet safety websites

Here are some useful websites with information on internet safety for children and adults:

• Think U Know is aimed at children aged 5 and above as well as parents and teachers - it covers texting and online activities. From the Police Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.
• Get Safe Online is a Government-backed internet safety website with comprehensive links to others.
• Internet Matters is a campaign by the UK's four biggest internet service providers to promote awareness of internet safety with links on how to set up parental controls for every device a child could access the internet on in your home.
• Find the Right Words supports parents and professionals with comprehensive resources and expert guidance to help them navigate the ever-changing world of child internet safety. 
• Children's Online Safety Test - Virgin Media O2 provide an online safety test to learn about cyberbullying, parental controls, social media and inappropriate content

Worried or upset?

If something that has happened to you on the internet has upset you, you can call Childline's free 24-hour helpline on 0800 1111 or visit the Childline website.

Please note: We are not responsible for the content of other organisations' websites.

• Download the Smart for kids poster.
• Official NSPCC guides