Staying safe online

Online risks can come from:

• the way you behave online
• the way other people behave online 

There is lots of support to help with risks online. 

Take Action: Childline's page on trusting others online includes advice on spotting fake profiles, understanding people's online identities and online scams

What is the most common kind of risk?

Some risks are very common, such as:

• Getting spam emails or messages
• Having arguments with friends or strangers online
• Being approached for money 

Some risks are more rare but can include:

• Grooming or catfishing (making friends with someone in order to abuse them)

• Posting or viewing disturbing content

   

Take Action: You can find lots of information about staying safe online and where to get help from Childnet. 

Staying safe online

Things that help include:

1. Open conversations with parents/carers
2. Reliably reporting harmful content
3. Balancing your time online with healthy offline activities 

Another risk is cyberbullying.

Find out more: The Cyber Choices website has lots of interesting videos and resources around positive, legal cyber opportunities, illegal cyber activity and more.

Scams and frauds online

This common risk can be still be very serious, and includes things like:

• upsetting or illegal advertising
• spam
• phishing 

Most adults are very familiar with online scams and frauds. If anything has happened that you are worried about, the most important thing is to talk to a trusted adult.

Take action: Report scam emails to Action Fraud. 

Risky content online

There is specific support available for young people worried about sharing naked images online (sometimes called Nudes or Sexting), you can also speak to your school health nurse. 

Support is available to get nude images removed, including those faked using AI or "nudification" technology.

Find out more: Learn about the Report Remove Service. 

Online relationships 

When you are getting to know someone, you need to be aware of risks. Risks can happen with people you know, or people you are getting to know. Risks can also happen when a relationship ends or changes. 

If your own behaviour is causing you concern, help is available. Start by talking to your School or College Health Nurse.

Crucial: Shore is a safe space for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour.