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Community Libraries Branches Salisbury Community Hub 15

Safety on the Net

Internet safety covers a range of online behaviours.

Cyber safety for young people

Here are some guidelines from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Cybersmart web site:

  • Think before you post information online, once posted it’s difficult to remove. Even information posted to a private profile can be made public.
  • Be careful who you trust online. Making new friends can be fun, but there’s a chance that they may not be who they say they are.
  • Always keep your password a secret.
  • When researching, ask a librarian about good sites to visit and about safe searching techniques. Browsing is a great way to find things, but you may not end up where you planned.
  • Don’t open messages from people that you don’t know. These could be upsetting, contain viruses or be trying to sell you something.
  • Don’t accept any offers that seem too good to be true—they probably are.
  • Children, ask your parent/carer before you give anyone on the internet your name, address or any personal details.
  • Tell your parent/carer or the librarian if you are upset by language, pictures or anything scary on the internet.

Cyber safety for young adults and adults

  • If you have any qualms about whether an online banking site is legitimate, call your bank and verify its web site address.
  • If you are shopping online, only do so with established retailers who use secure web sites.
  • Anything you post online, even to a 'private' profile can be made public. If you wouldn't want your parents, kids,boss, teacher, co-workers or friends to see it: don't post it.
  • Don't open emails from people you don't know and NEVER open attachments from people you don't know.
  • Never post photos of yourself online that could help people find your in real life (in front of your house, with a house number visible, etc)
  • If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For more information on cyber safety visit the Cyber website.

Cyber bullying

Cyberbullying occurs when the internet, email or mobile phones are used to deliberately and repeatedly engage in hostile behaviour aimed at upsetting another person. Cyberbullying can result in those involved experiencing social, psychological and academic difficulties.

Even a once-of hurtful message can do damage. As an internet user, it's important to remember there are real people with real feelings on the receiving end of your online messages. Never send an email or publish anything when you are feeling angry, sad, overly emotional or are otherwise not in a good state of mind to be making decisions.

If you feel you are being cyberbullied, don't respond to or engage with the bully. If you're a young person, the best thing you can do is to tell a trusted adult right away. If one isn't immediagely available, help and someone to talk to is also available by calling the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

If you are an adult with a child who is being bullied online, the Cybersmart web site offers a range of information sheets on cyberbullying to help you give your child the supporter he or she needs. Do not minimise the feelings your children express. Cyberbullying can have tragic results. Visit the Cybersmart web site to download age-relevant fact sheets or call the Cybersafety Contact Centre on 1800 880 176 for advice.

Even adults can get cyberbullied.Ensure you get the advice and support you need if you are being bullied online. If you or your child is being threatened, contact the police.

For more information on cyber safety visit the Cyber website.