Stay safe

Online safety

Keeping in touch with your mates through social networking sites like Myspace, Bebo and Facebook is great fun. You can find out in an instant what they're up to, keep up with all the latest gossip and post pictures of yourself. It's a great way to make new friends too!

While you can be really creative there are some things you need to think about when you go online. It’s important that you don't give out personal information to people you are chatting to or post them online – and never give your password to anyone. When you create a profile, don't lie about your age - some profiles post your birthday online. Check that you can remove the year of birth from your profile.

Once you have posted something online it's very difficult to take it back – and once out there it's worth remembering that other people can copy what you've written, alter it and share it with people you don't know. Think before you post anything online – comments you make could be misunderstood and hurt someone's feelings.

It's easy for people to lie about who they are online – never arrange to meet someone you've met in a chat room.

If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or starts asking questions that you don't like then tell someone you trust. It's ok to tell if you feel worried. There is a safety centre (opens in a new window) which is available to you, and tells you all about how to stay safe and what to do if you're worried.

Staying safe out and about

It might seem boring but it's always best to let your mum or dad, carer, sister or brother know where you are going and who you'll be with. That way, in an emergency, they will know where to find you.

We know you wouldn't be seen dead without your mobile – but make sure it's fully charged and got plenty of credit on it. If you run out of credit, there are reverse charge facilities which you can use. Have a look which ones are the cheapest for the person on the other end of the phone to use, and store the number in your phonebook.

Make sure you keep valuables like purses, wallets, mobiles, MP3 players or PSPs out of sight and don't mess about with them while you're walking along – loads of young people get knocked over when they aren't paying attention.

Don't use short-cuts or alleys at night and never accept a lift from a stranger – get a taxi or ask someone you know to pick you up. If you're approached or feel threatened try to find a place where there are lots of people around. You could shout or scream loudly, approach someone or find a door to knock on – you won't look stupid.

If you are attacked don't keep it to yourself. Ring the police or talk to someone you trust. In an emergency always dial 999.

Staying safe

You have a right to be safe and no-one can take that away from you. Your body belongs to you and it's ok to say no if someone tries to touch or hurt you. Don't keep it a secret – even if you're told to by an adult. Some secrets need to be told.

If this happens to you don't be afraid to tell someone you trust – they will believe you and won't be angry with you. If you want to know more, go to the pages on abuse (opens in a new window).

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