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Lifestyle

#Dontbedaft: The Online Safety Series

By BZashleigh 09 Feb 2018

As a generation of technology addicts, we spend a huge amount of our time online and on social media

You might just be sat in your bedroom behind your phone screen or laptop keyboard, but it can be easy to forget about the dangers online. 

Identity theft

Don't leave yourself vulnerable to identity theft or be casual with your personal details.

  • Be suspicious of emails, texts or phone calls requesting personal information.
  • Don't give out passwords, PIN numbers or account details unless you are 100% sure it's legit. 
  • Don't have the same password for all of your online accounts - this makes them so much easier to hack into.

Social networking

It's easy to rant and ramble about things on Facebook or Twitter but always remember who can view them.

  • Use privacy settings on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. They're there for a reason and should be used!
  • Think about the pictures you upload and who could share them. Once a photo is out there, it's very hard to get back!
  • Don't share things you wouldn't be happy for family to see.
  • Be careful about saying where you are and what you're doing. Turn your Snap Map to 'Ghost Mode' if you're worried.  

'Sexting'

Sending risky pictures to someone you know may seem like fun at the time but as soon as you hit 'send', it's completely out of your control. 

Most websites and social media sites have ways of removing content that is offensive or has been published without consent. Look out for the 'report' button where you can ask for things to be taken down. 

Sextortion is a serious crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute private or sensitive material if you don't provide them images of a sexual nature, sexual favours, or money. 

If you are a victim or think you may become one, call the non-emergency police number on 101 or visit the Crimestoppers website

Remember, think before you send or share!

For more help and advice, visit Get Safe Online