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Dongle's factsheet
S is for Keep Safe
Keep Safe
Don't give out your personal information.
Keep your full name, address, mobile number, email address, school name and friends' full names secret. Otherwise people can use this information to contact you.
Your passwords and nicknames should be secret. If you have to give an online screen name or nickname, never use your real name, and try not to use things that are easy to guess like your parents name or a pet's name.
mobile phone When you send a text or photo message from your mobile, your phone number automatically goes with it. So think carefully, especially before sending photos of yourself or friends from your camera-phone.
M is for don't Meet up
Don't meet up
Never meet up with an online friend.
Never arrange to meet an online friend, no matter how well you think you know the other person or however curious you may be.
If youre determined to meet an online friend you should always tell a parent or teacher and make sure they go with you.
mobile phone The same rule applies to friends you meet over your mobile.
A is for accepting emails can be dangerous
Accepting emails can be dangerous
Don't open junk mail.
If they have your email address some websites will send you lots of junk emails trying to sell you things, or messages that make you feel uncomfortable. This is called spamming.
Delete any emails from people or companies that you dont know. If you open an email that says rude or unpleasant things, you must tell a trusted adult straightaway - and dont reply to it.
mobile phone Accepting text messages, or opening links / files on your mobile from people you don't know, can get you into trouble. They may contain nasty pictures or messages, cost you a lot of money, or even change the settings on your phone.
R is for reliable
Don't meet up
Beware: people might not be who they say they are.
Chats and message boards are fun, but they can also be dangerous because you dont know who youre talking to. Remember stranger danger - you should use the same rules when youre online.
If youre determined to meet an online friend you should always tell a parent or teacher and make sure they go with you.
mobile phone Someone sending you a message on your mobile may not be who they say they are. Information you get in a message, or find while using services on your mobile, might not be reliable.
T is for tell someone
Tell someone
Always tell an adult if you feel uncomfortable or worried.
Some message boards and chat rooms have an 'alert button' or an email address where you can tell the 'host' (who runs the board) that youre upset about something or someone.
Dont forget you can always log-off and leave the website.
mobile phone The same rule applies if you are upset or worried by anything when using your mobile.
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