Online abuse can happen anywhere through the following types of digital communication:
There are lots of ways that you can stay safe online.
What is Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)
An explanation for younger children
What is Generative AI? | Kids Guide to AI | BrightBYTES
Generative Artificial Intelligence – Good and bad
What do Children and Young People like about Generative Artificial Intelligence?
-
- Easy to use
- Can be accessed on many platforms
- Explains and breaks down difficult information
- Offers a different way to learn
- Can create new things
- Children can ask questions with no one judging them
(Taken from Childnet cheat sheet)
What do children and young people dislike about Generative Artificial Intelligence?
-
- Can they trust the information it gives?
- It can be used to create scams, deepfakes (videos, picture or audio clips made with artificial intelligence to look real) and nude images
- They might be accused of cheating in school work
- Information might be biased (tell one side only)
- It might mean they don’t use their own skills and abilities
- Takes away meeting people face to face
(adapted from Childnet cheat sheet)
What do I do if someone is encouraging me to hurt myself?
Encouraging or assisting serious self-harm is when someone tries to persuade you to harm yourself, or helps you to harm yourself. This means injuries to yourself like broken bones, deep cuts to the skin or disfigurement. Other serious harm, such as starvation, is also considered. The physical harm doesn't have to be permanent.
It can happen online or offline and can include things like:
-
-
-
- sending you social media posts telling you to harm yourself
- sending you links to pro-self-harm or pro-anorexic websites
- encouraging you to stop taking medication you need
- someone giving you a razor blade and encouraging you to cut yourself
(Taken from Encouraging serious self-harm | Police.uk)
Being a responsible Digital User
Being online is part of everyday life. It can help you stay connected, learn new things, be creative and have fun. But what you do online can also affect you and other people. Being a responsible digital user means thinking before you post, share, comment or message — and knowing when to ask for help.
Your choices online matter
Every like, share, comment, message or screenshot is a choice. Even if something feels funny, private or harmless at the time, it can have a real impact. Before you post or send something, ask yourself: Would I be okay if this was shared wider? Could this hurt, embarrass or pressure someone else? Would I say this face to face?
Respect people online and offline
Behind every profile, username or screen is a real person. Treat people online with the same respect you would expect in person. Do not share rumours, pile on, pressure someone, make threats, or post things designed to shame or upset them. If a group chat, comment section or online space is becoming harmful, you do not have to join in.
Think before you share
Not everything needs to be shared. This includes screenshots, private messages, photos, videos, someone’s location, personal information, or content that was sent in confidence. If it involves someone else, ask yourself whether you have their permission and whether sharing it could put them at risk.
Do not pressure others — and do not ignore pressure
No one should be made to feel they have to send, post, meet, reply, prove themselves, keep a secret, or do something that makes them uncomfortable. Pressure can happen through jokes, dares, threats, repeated messages, gifts, promises or guilt-tripping. If someone is pressuring you or someone else online, that is not okay — speak to a trusted adult or use a report button on the app or platform.
Protect your privacy
Your personal information is valuable. Think carefully before sharing your full name, school, address, phone number, live location, passwords, daily routines or private details about your life. Check your privacy settings regularly and be careful about accepting friend requests, follows or messages from people you do not know.
Bullying behind a screen is still bullying
It can feel easier to say or share something hurtful when you are behind a screen, but it still affects real people. Online bullying can include name-calling, threats, spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing content, leaving people out on purpose, or encouraging others to pile on. If you see it happening, do not join in. Save evidence if it is safe to do so, report it, block if needed, and tell a trusted adult.
Be careful of scams and fake accounts
Not everyone online is who they say they are. Scammers may use fake accounts, competitions, gaming offers, job opportunities, money-making schemes, relationship messages, or urgent requests to get your attention. Be wary if someone asks for money, personal details, passwords, photos, codes, bank information, or tells you to keep things secret. If something feels too good to be true, rushed, threatening or uncomfortable, pause and speak to someone you trust.
Do not get pulled in by online “hot topics”
Online trends, arguments, challenges and “hot topics” can move fast. Influencers and popular accounts may make something look exciting, funny or harmless, but that does not always mean it is safe, true or fair. Before you comment, share, copy a trend or join a debate, take a moment to check: Is this accurate? Could it upset or harm someone? Am I being pressured to react? You do not have to follow the crowd.
Think carefully about AI
AI can be useful for learning, creativity and problem-solving, but it can also be used to spread fake information, create fake images or videos, copy someone’s voice, or make harmful content look real. Do not use AI to embarrass, trick, bully, threaten or impersonate anyone. If you see something online and you are not sure if it is real, check it with a trusted source or adult before sharing it.
Pause, think, ask for help
Being responsible online does not mean being perfect. Everyone can make mistakes or feel unsure. What matters is noticing when something does not feel right and knowing what to do next. Pause before you post, think before you share, and ask for help if you are worried about yourself or someone else. You deserve to feel safe online