Guidelines for Children

Cyberspace is like a big city. There are museums, universities, libraries, places to have fun and plenty of opportunities to meet interesting people from all walks of life. However, like any city, there are also some areas and people that you ought to avoid and others that you should approach only with caution.

Although it may be easy to be misled by so-called online friends you can't see, it's just as easy to be safe, using these simple guidelines:

• Agree a set of ground rules for using the Internet and chat rooms with your parents. Print these out and display them next to your computer. Take a look at our example pledge for some ideas ...
• Remember that everyone you meet online is a stranger, even though they might seem like a friend. People online, no matter how long you have been talking to them or how friendly they are, may not be who they say they are.
• Never give out any personal information such as your full name, address, telephone number, e-mail address or any other information, such as photographs, information about your family or the school you go to.
• Always stay in public areas of chat rooms where there are other people around and it is harder for someone to say something you might feel uncomfortable about. Be wary of anyone who wants to send you a PM (Private Message). A private chat may end up being more personal than you like.
• If you receive a message that makes you feel uncomfortable or upset, don't respond; save or print it, log off and tell an adult straightaway.
• Never accept a file from someone you don't know. If you do download a file from a trusted friend - ALWAYS virus check it before opening.
• Never do something a user asks you to do if you don't know what the result may be. For example, another user may ask you to type in a certain command - DON'T DO IT! They may very well be able to gain total control of your computer system if you do.
• Log your chats. The majority of chat rooms offer some form of logging functions. Not only will this help your parents by showing you are willing to log what you say in chat and that you can be trusted, but if anyone does say anything that upsets you or makes you feel uncomfortable, you will have a record of that message to show your parents and pass on to the chat room moderators.
• If you do become friends with someone online, make it clear that you will discuss this friendship with your parents. Never agree to a 'secret' friendship.
• Never arrange to meet anyone in person after a conversation in a chat room without asking a parent or guardian's permission first. If they say that it's OK, arrange to meet your friend in a public place and ALWAYS take your parent or another responsible adult with you.