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The impact of COVID-19 on the world has changed the way the people communicate. Social isolation and distancing has greatly increased the use of technology to socialise with friends and family, however this has meant that children and young people are more at risk of being vulnerable to other young people and adults online.
Keeping safe online can be difficult however here are four simple ways to keep safe. The first is to make sure that you only accept friends that you know. Second is to make sure that you keep it positive. If you are in an online community that is negative it can change your views and opinions on what you really think. Thirdly, think about what you are posting. You have no control over what is on the internet once it is out there. The fourth is really important when you are a young person. Never meet someone who you have met online, as you don’t know who they are.
If you are worried about your online safety you can talk to someone that you trust, report the bullying online, on the website or app, delete things that you have shared that you are worried about, tell the police by making a report to CEOP https://www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/, plan ahead and make sure your privacy settings are what you want them to be. Be careful about what links you open you never know where they will lead you.
