Today is Safer Internet Day 2016. Safer Internet Day (SID) is organised by Insafe in February of each year to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially among children and young people across the world.
Club Penguin, being an online virtual world for kids, must use extreme measures to make sure everyone accessing the site is safe. They launched their safety campaign 'It Starts With You!' in February 2014, and it provides safety tips for kids and parents to help understand more and how to take special precautions.
Club Penguin have three general rules for their users regarding staying safe online:
BE COOL. Treat people the way you want to be treated online.
BE HEARD. Tell your parents or someone you trust if you see anything online that bothers you.
BE SAFE. Keep your name, age, address, phone number and school top secret.
View their Online Safety page for more information.
How can 'I' be safe online?
Don't share any personal information online. This includes your address, full name, phone number or school name.
Think before you act. Before you post something online. ask yourself if you are 100% sure it is okay. Once you post something on the Internet, it's public domain, which means you have no control over it and anyone can see it and save it. Check with your parents if you are not sure.
Keep your privacy settings top-notch. Make sure any online accounts are safe and secured, so only your friends and the people you trust can view your information.
Never give out your password. Keeping your password to yourself is the key to staying safe online. Sharing your password with anyone but your parents can lead to dangerous consequences.
Don't talk to strangers. Just like in real life, in the online world, talking to people you don't know is very dangerous and can end you up in a bad situation. Make sure you're only connected to those you trust and know in real life.
If you see something that makes you uncomfortable or upset, turn your computer off and tell your parents or guardian(s) immediately.
How can I get involved?
StaySafeOnline.org have some great tips on how to stay safe online and make sure you don't run into trouble. They also have great resources for spreading awareness.
I hope you use these tips and stay safe online! If you are a parent reading this blog, feel free to show your child(ren) how to be 100% safe while using the Internet under your guard.
For more tips and resources, visit the following sites:
CBBC Stay Safe
Kidsmart
Safer Internet Centre
Thinkuknow