1. Safety & Privacy
Overview
When using your smartphone, social media, or the internet, safety and privacy are some of the most important areas to learn and be mindful of. Just like in real life, you wouldn’t share all of your personal information with someone you don’t know, it is exactly the same online. Whilst the digital world can be a source of connection and community, there are risks in talking to people you don’t know on the internet, and some websites or apps might ask for personal information. Keeping this information private helps protect you from some of these risks.
Staying safe online also means being careful about who you talk to and what you share. Some people might pretend to be someone they’re not, so it’s important to only share certain information with friends and family that you know in real life. By keeping your personal stuff private, and being smart about who you talk to, you can enjoy using your phone and the internet safely.
1.1 Privacy, safety, data
Online privacy means keeping your personal information safe when you're using the internet. Whether you're playing games, watching videos, chatting with friends, or doing schoolwork, keeping your personal information private is an absolute must.
Imagine it like leaving your front door open all day. Anyone could walk in, look around, or even take your stuff. That’s what it’s like when you don’t protect your online privacy.
What is privacy & data?
Privacy means keeping some information about you safe and only sharing it with people you trust.
Data is the information you give out when you sign up for apps, websites, or games.Protecting your privacy keeps you safe from strangers and scams.
Why it matters
It helps you keep control over your personal life.
It stops companies from using your info in ways you don’t want.
Protect your privacy
Think before you share
Would you want a teacher, parent, or stranger to see this?Use strong passwords
Make them hard to guess. Mix letters, numbers & symbols. Never share them.Check your privacy settings
Keep your accounts private and only allow people you know.Say “No” to suspicious links or pop-ups
If it seems weird or too good to be true, it probably is.Ask for help
If you're unsure about something online, talk to a trusted adult.
Kaz’s Top Tips for social media
Go private
Make your social media profiles private NOW. This is your best shield! Only approved friends can see your stuff.Turn location off
Turn off location services for all social media apps. Never ever share where you are.Never meet up
Never agree to meet someone you only know online. If you ever feel you must, always tell a trusted adult, meet in a public place with others, and take that adult with you.Friends requests
Only accept requests from the people you personally know and trust. Block and report anyone who is mean or inappropriate towards you.Don’t just believe it
People can lie about who they are. If someone is pressuring you or asking weird questions, be super cautious.
1.2 Digital footprint
Imagine you’re walking on a beach. Every step you take leaves a footprint in the sand. Online is the same, but instead of sand, it’s the trail of data you leave behind whenever you use the internet.
Your digital footprint can hurt your reputation and shape how others might see you - including friends, family, schools, future employers, strangers online, and companies collecting your data.
A digital footprint can include
Photos you post
Comments you make
Searches you do
Likes and shares
Info you give to websites or apps
Things you buy online
Even things you delete or think are “private” can still be saved or shared by others.
3 second rule
Before you post or comment, pause and ask yourself:
Is it true?
Is it helpful or kind?
Is it something I’ll be proud of later?
If not, skip it!
Alanis’s Smart Habits To Follow
Think before you post
Ask yourself: “Would I be OK with a teacher, grandparent, or future employer seeing this?”Keep it kind and respectful
Don’t share or comment on things that could hurt others or it might come back to haunt you.Check your privacy settings
On social media or apps, set your account to private and control who can see your stuff.Google yourself
Search your name online to see what’s out there. If something isn’t right, talk to an adult or report it.Delete what you don’t need
Old apps, accounts, or posts that no longer reflect who you are? Delete, delete, delete!
1.3 Phishing, scams, hacking
Phishing, scams, and hacking are ways people can try to trick or harm others online. Phishing is when someone sends fake messages or emails to try to steal personal information, like passwords. Scams are tricks that try to get people to give away money or private details. Hacking means breaking into computers or websites without permission, often to steal or cause damage.
Phishing
Fake messages, real danger
What is it?
Phishing is when someone pretends to be a person or company you trust to trick you into clicking a link or sharing info (like passwords or address).
Watch for:
Messages (“Your account will be deleted!”)
Free prizes or giveaways
Weird links or email addresses
Stay safe
Don’t click random links
Check who’s really sending the message
If it feels weird — pause and ask an adult
Scams
Tricky ways to steal from you
What is it?
Scams try to steal your money or info through fake promises or shops.
Examples
“You’ve won!” (but you haven’t)
Fake online stores
Someone asking for money online
Stay safe
Don’t share personal info with strangers
Only shop on trusted sites
Ask before buying or sending money
Hacking
Breaking into your accounts
What is it?
Hacking means someone sneaks into your account without permission.
It can lead to:
Embarrassing posts
Stolen files
Losing access to your account
Stay safe
Use strong passwords (like Dance!Tiger_45)
Never share passwords, even with friends!
Turn on 2-step login
Log out on all shared devices
1.4 Usernames, passwords, profiles
Usernames, passwords, and profiles help keep your online accounts safe and personal. A username is your special online name that tells the website who you are, and a password is a secret code that makes sure only you can log in. Together, they protect your account. Your profile is where the website stores your information, like your settings, picture, or favorite things, so it remembers what you like each time you log in.
Usernames: your online nickname
What is a username?
A username is like your online nickname. It’s how people see you in apps or games.
Choose a username that is:
Fun but not personal (no name or location)
Kind and respectful
Unique and creative
Good examples:
RocketSkater99
PixelPenguin_7
Avoid:
Real names (e.g., EllaSmithLondon)
Ages and birth years (e.g., Leo2012)
Passwords: your secret key
What is a password?
A password is like the secret key to your digital house. It keeps your stuff safe such as your messages, photos, games, and more.
Good passwords are:
Long (at least 8 characters)
Mixed (letters, numbers, and symbols)
Secret (don’t tell anyone)
Unique (different for each account)
Avoid passwords like:
“123456”
Your name or birthday
“password”
Pet names everyone knows
Profiles: what you share about you
What is a profile?
A profile is your online “about me” page. It might include a profile picture, bio, and more.
Keep your profile:
Safe (no real names, address, phone number, school)
Positive (show your interests, not drama)
Smart (don’t overshare)
Ask yourself before posting:
“Would I want my teacher, a member of my family, or a stranger to see this?”
1.5 Sexting and revenge porn*
* We recognise that Image Based Sexual Abuse is the correct term but it is more commonly known as Revenge Porn
Sexting means sending or receiving messages, photos, or videos with sexual content, using phones or online apps. These may include pictures of private body parts or messages about sex.
Revenge porn is when someone shares private sexual images or videos of another person without their permission, often to embarrass, shame, or hurt them. This is usually done online or through social media. Even if it’s not done for revenge, sharing someone’s private photos or videos without their consent is deeply harmful, and illegal in many countries.
What to do if it happens
Don’t panic. Help is available.
Tell someone you trust. You are not alone.
Report the image or video. Many websites and apps have ways to report and remove this content.
Contact a support organisation. There are hotlines and services that help people in this situation:
⟶ www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk
Remember: It is never your fault if someone misuses your private images or content.
How to stay safe
⟶ Think twice before sending anything private. Ask yourself: “Would I be okay if everyone saw this?”
⟶ Never feel pressured to send photos or messages you don’t want to. It’s okay to say NO.
⟶ If someone asks you for a photo or makes you uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult.
⟶ Keep your phone and accounts private. Use strong passwords and be careful who you trust.
The Risks of Sexting
It’s illegal for anyone under 18 to send or receive sexual images of themselves or others, even if you agree to it. This can lead to serious trouble with the law.
It can damage your reputation and affect your relationships with family, friends, or school.
Once you send a photo or message, you lose control over it. It can be shared with others without your permission.
It can be used to hurt or embarrass you. People might tease, bully, or threaten you.
1.6 Search engines
Imagine the internet is a giant library with billions of books, and a search engine is like a super-powered librarian who can quickly find the right book for you. You type in what you want to learn about, and the search engine looks through all those books (websites) and finds the ones that have information about it.
Even though search engines are super helpful, there are some risks to watch out for. Not everything you find is true because some websites share fake news, lies, or opinions that sound like facts. You might also see ads that try to trick you into clicking or buying something, and some links could lead to inappropriate or unsafe content. That’s why it’s important to use Safe Search settings, stick to trusted websites, and always double-check information.
Roisin’s Top Tips For Search Engines
1. Use Specific Keywords
Instead of typing "cats," try "fun facts about cats" or "how to take care of a kitten." The more exact your words, the better the results!
2. Stick to Trusted Websites
Look for results from safe, reliable sites like BBC, Newsround, National Geographic etc.
3. Be Aware of Ads
The first few links might be ads. They often say "Ad" or "Sponsored" and may not give you the best information.
4. Use Alternative Search Engines
Try R;pple, Kiddle, DuckDuckGo, or Safe Search Kids. These are made just for younger people!
5. Turn On Safe Search
Ask an adult to help you switch on Safe Search settings to block anything inappropriate.
6. Check More Than One Source
Don’t trust the first thing you see. This is usually an AI summary right at the top of the page. Compare results to make sure the information is true.