News: Staying safe online

The internet is a wonderful way to keep in touch with the outside world, and staying connected with people through this difficult time is so important, but it’s also a time to be extra vigilant when it comes to the dangers of the internet, and knowing the best ways to stay safe.

A recent report conducted by esafe, a digital monitoring service, highlights the safeguarding risks trending right now. It shows that the limitations and ​‘opportunities’ presented by the very different world we’re living in at the moment has seen a concerning safeguarding pattern emerging, such as an increase in the volume of grooming, child sexual exploitation and pornography.

There are lots of fun and interesting things to do on the internet, but if you choose to spend your time online, please do so safely. If you are unsure or worried and need some help or advice, you can talk to your Achievement Coach, or contact the Nottingham College Safeguarding team

Here are a few important things to think about when you’re using online platforms:

• Keep your privacy settings as high as possible and never give out your passwords 
• Don’t post any personal information online (e.g. your address, email address or mobile number). 
• Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online it’s out there for people to see, download and share. It is against the law to send a nude or any kind of sexual image or video to someone under 18. Asking for or viewing sexual images of someone who’s under 18 is a crime.
• Don’t befriend people you don’t know and never meet up with people you’ve met online. Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are 
• Think carefully about what you say before you post something online 
• If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website and tell a trusted adult immediately.