top of page
THUMBNAILS.png

Online Safety Advice

Take the LEAP—Stay Safe Online

How to Spot Scams Online

Online scams are designed to look real and to pressure people into acting quickly. Scammers often pretend to be trusted companies, friends, or even schools or banks. Taking a moment to slow down and check the details can help you avoid being tricked.

Common signs of an online scam include:

  • Urgent messages that push you to act fast, such as “your account will be locked” or “respond within 24 hours”

  • Unexpected emails, texts, or messages asking for personal information, passwords, or payment details

  • Spelling mistakes or strange wording, especially in messages claiming to be from well-known organisations

  • Suspicious links that don’t match the official website name when you hover over them

  • Requests for payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or direct bank transfers

To stay safe:

  • Never click links or download files from messages you weren’t expecting

  • Check the sender’s email address or profile carefully

  • Go directly to the official website instead of using links in messages

  • Talk to a trusted adult, parent, or colleague if something feels wrong

If a message seems too good to be true or makes you feel rushed or worried, it’s always best to pause and double-check before taking action.

THUMBNAILS.png

Personal information is anything that can be used to identify you, both online and offline. Once this information is shared online, it can be difficult or impossible to take back. Protecting your privacy helps keep you safe from scams, identity theft, and unwanted contact.

Personal information includes:

  • Full name, home address, phone number, and email address

  • School, workplace, or daily routines

  • Passwords, PINs, and security codes

  • Photos, videos, and location details

Ways to protect your personal information:

  • Use strong, unique passwords and never reuse the same one across accounts

  • Turn on privacy settings on social media, apps, and games

  • Think before posting — ask yourself if you’d be comfortable with anyone seeing it

  • Avoid sharing personal details in public comments, chats, or forums

  • Be cautious when apps or websites ask for permissions they don’t really need

Extra safety tips:

  • Enable two-factor authentication where available

  • Log out of accounts on shared or public devices

  • Regularly review your account and privacy settings

Protecting your personal information isn’t about avoiding the internet — it’s about using it confidently and safely.

Protecting Personal Information and Privacy

Online Safety Tips for Kids

The internet is a great place to learn, play, and talk to friends — but it’s important to stay safe. Just like in the real world, kids should know how to protect themselves online and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.

Simple rules to stay safe online:

  • Keep personal information private, such as your full name, address, school, phone number, or passwords

  • Only talk to people you know in real life or who a trusted adult has approved

  • Never share passwords, even with friends

  • Be careful what you post, because photos and messages can stay online for a long time

  • Don’t click links or download files without asking an adult first

If something feels wrong:

  • Tell a parent, carer, or trusted adult straight away

  • Use block and report tools on games, apps, and websites

  • Remember that it’s okay to log out, close the app, or walk away

Kids should never feel embarrassed about asking for help online. Staying safe is about learning, asking questions, and knowing you’re not in trouble for speaking up.

THUMBNAILS.png

Cyberbullying and Online Behaviour

Cyberbullying is when someone uses the internet, social media, games, or messaging apps to hurt, threaten, or embarrass others. This can include mean messages, spreading rumours, sharing private images, or repeatedly targeting someone online. Just like bullying in real life, it is never okay.

Examples of cyberbullying include:

  • Sending or posting hurtful or threatening messages

  • Making fun of someone publicly online

  • Sharing private photos or messages without permission

  • Excluding someone on purpose in group chats or games

How to deal with cyberbullying:

  • Do not respond to hurtful messages — this often makes things worse

  • Save evidence by taking screenshots or keeping messages

  • Use block and report tools on the platform or game

  • Tell a trusted adult, teacher, or parent as soon as possible

Positive online behaviour matters too:

  • Treat others online with the same respect you expect in real life

  • Think before posting or commenting — words can hurt even through a screen

  • Stand up for others safely by reporting bullying when you see it

  • Remember that being kind online helps create safer spaces for everyone

No one should feel alone or unsafe online. Asking for help is the right thing to do, and support is always available.

Social media platforms and online games are fun ways to connect with others, but they also come with risks if they’re not used carefully. Staying safe means knowing who you’re talking to, what you share, and when to ask for help.

Tips for staying safe on social media and games:

  • Only accept friend requests or messages from people you know and trust

  • Remember that people online are not always who they say they are

  • Keep profiles set to private where possible

  • Be careful when using voice chat or private messaging features

  • Never share personal information, passwords, or account details

While gaming online:

  • Don’t feel pressured to talk, share, or spend money

  • Be cautious of in-game offers, trades, or “free rewards”

  • Use mute, block, and report tools if someone behaves badly

  • Take regular breaks and know when to log off

For parents and carers:

  • Check age ratings and use parental controls where available

  • Talk regularly with children about who they interact with online

  • Encourage kids to speak up if something feels uncomfortable

Online games and social media should be enjoyable. Knowing how to stay safe helps keep them positive and fun experiences.

Safe Social Media and Gaming

THUMBNAILS.png

Safe Social Media and Gaming

Social media platforms and online games are fun ways to connect with others, but they also come with risks if they’re not used carefully. Staying safe means knowing who you’re talking to, what you share, and when to ask for help.

Tips for staying safe on social media and games:

  • Only accept friend requests or messages from people you know and trust

  • Remember that people online are not always who they say they are

  • Keep profiles set to private where possible

  • Be careful when using voice chat or private messaging features

  • Never share personal information, passwords, or account details

While gaming online:

  • Don’t feel pressured to talk, share, or spend money

  • Be cautious of in-game offers, trades, or “free rewards”

  • Use mute, block, and report tools if someone behaves badly

  • Take regular breaks and know when to log off

For parents and carers:

  • Check age ratings and use parental controls where available

  • Talk regularly with children about who they interact with online

  • Encourage kids to speak up if something feels uncomfortable

Online games and social media should be enjoyable. Knowing how to stay safe helps keep them positive and fun experiences.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong (For Adults)

If you think you’ve been scammed, harassed, or your personal information has been shared, acting quickly can help reduce the impact. Most problems can be managed with the right steps.

If you’re unsure or something feels wrong:

  • Stop interacting with the message, person, or website

  • Do not send money, personal details, or passwords

  • Take screenshots or save evidence

If your account or information may be compromised:

  • Change your passwords immediately

  • Enable or update two-factor authentication

  • Check your account activity for anything unusual

  • Contact your bank or payment provider if money is involved

Report the issue:

  • Use reporting tools on the website, app, or platform

  • Report scams to relevant authorities or consumer protection services

  • Warn others if appropriate, without sharing personal details

Staying calm and taking action early can make a big difference. Help is available, and you’re not expected to handle it alone.

THUMBNAILS.png

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong (For Kids)

If something online makes you feel scared, upset, or confused, it’s important to know that it’s not your fault and help is always available.

What to do right away:

  • Stop replying and don’t argue or try to fix it yourself

  • Take screenshots or save the messages if you can

  • Block and report the person in the app or game

Get help:

  • Tell a parent, carer, teacher, or another trusted adult

  • Ask for help even if you think you might get in trouble — you won’t

  • It’s okay to log out, close the app, or take a break

Remember:

  • You did the right thing by speaking up

  • You’re not alone

  • Adults are there to help keep you safe

Online problems can be sorted out, especially when you ask for help early.

Helpful Resources and Support

If you need advice, support, or want to report a problem online, the following trusted organisations can help.

For Kids and Young People

For Adults

Social Media & Gaming Platforms

Most platforms have built-in block and report tools. Look for “Report”, “Safety”, or “Help” sections within the app or website if something goes wrong.

bottom of page