WHAT ARE ONLINE FORUMS AND CHAT ROOMS?

Online forums are pages or sections of larger sites where people with similar interests can express their opinions, comments, ask or answer questions.

USE NICKNAMES

When you go to chat rooms or on forums, always use a nickname instead of a real name.

Nickname can be an interesting way to hide your identity but you should never put off as another person.

Some people who use chat rooms or forums lie about who they really are.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

When you leave some messages to people on the forum never reveal your personal information. This includes your name, address or name of the school where you go.

You can tell someone what city you live in, but any other information you should keep private.

Even the name of the school may be enough information for someone to find you. If a stranger asks you for the name of your school, immediately report this to an adult you trust.

ENCOUNTERS WITH STRANGERS

People you meet online may not be as they presented themselves . It is very easy for people online to lie about who they really are.

Never agree to meet people you’ve met online.

If someone asks you to meet with them, be sure to inform your parents, and if you really want to get to know that person, make sure that you are always with an adult you trust.

If you get a message that upsets you, you immediately TALK TO AN ADULT you trust.