These top tips have been written to help you to have a great time online, by always remembering to talk about…

Talk about your life online
Even if you enjoy using technology on your own, it is important to talk about your online experiences. You can talk to parents and carers, teachers, friends, and family members. Share experiences, share ideas, and even share your own top tips to help make your time online as great as it can be.

Talk about consent before taking, posting, sharing or sending
Make sure that everyone featured in a post, photo or video is happy with it and agreed before you post it. Don’t assume that because someone let you post something before that they are okay with you posting or sharing again. Ask every time and show respect for their decision.

Talk about what to do if you see online hate, harassment or bullying
Show your support for victims online. This could be by using block and report functions, and checking in to see if they are okay. Standing up against hate, bullying and harassment can be difficult, but it is important to help make the internet a great space for everyone.

Talk about healthy online relationships
The internet is a great tool for connecting with the people who matter to you. It’s important to always treat others with kindness and respect and ask for consent whenever it is necessary. Remember, pressure is never a part of a healthy relationship and if someone makes you feel uncomfortable online or offline there are places you can go for support, such as Childline or the Mix.

Talk about what you learn online
The internet is a great place to learn and explore and it can be really interesting to talk to your friends about the  things you find out. However, it is important to remember that not everything we see online is trustworthy and if something seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t true! Make sure to ask adults for help to check information, and to work out if it is from a reliable source.

Talk about how and where to get help
The internet is amazing, but sometimes things can go wrong. There are so many ways to get help and talking is the first step. Talk to a parent or carer, a teacher, or another trusted adult who can help you. You could even talk to a friend first, and then talk to an adult together.

You might like to try this quiz – 11-14 years. This quiz was co-created with the Childnet Youth Advisory Board. The Childnet Youth Advisory Board is made up of young people aged 13-16 from across the UK. 

These top tips have been written to help you to have a great time online, by always remembering to talk about…

Talk about your life online

Share your experiences with friends and support each other when you need it. Remember the adults in your life also want to ensure you are happy and safe online. Let them know what you enjoy doing so they can recognise the positive role the internet can play. Reach out if you have worries or when you might need a little more support.

Talk about causes that matter to you

The internet can be a wonderful place to find and support political and social causes which are important to you. Look for accounts, influencers and communities that share your interests and values. Remember to also read up on different perspectives and think critically about what you’re seeing and hearing – talking to friends and family when you’re not sure can be really helpful too.

Talk about how to be aware of online risks

Talk to siblings, friends and family about what they might be doing online, and what they do to keep themselves safe. Don’t be afraid to share your expertise – we’re all learning and sharing tips and tricks can help make the internet a more positive place for everyone.

Talk about how you can support others online

We all have a role to play in making the internet a more positive place. Talking about your experiences and listening to the experiences of others can help you recognise when things may have gone too far. Nobody should have to experience harassment or abuse online, so be an upstander and reach out to those who may need support.

Talk about trust and reliability

The internet is a great place to learn and explore. Talk to your friends about the interesting things you find but remember that not everything we see online is trustworthy. If something seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t true. Make sure to ask for help to check information, and to work out if it is from a reliable source.

Talk about how and where to get help

The internet is amazing, but sometimes things can go wrong. There are so many ways to get help and talking is the first step. Talk to a parent or carer, a teacher, or another trusted adult who can help. You could even talk to a friend first, and then talk to an adult together.

You might like to try this quiz –14-18 – co-created with the Childnet Youth Advisory Board. The Childnet Youth Advisory Board is made up of young people aged 13-16 from across the UK.