Staying Safe Online

The internet can have a huge impact on how you think and feel.
Negative experiences — like hurtful messages, pressure to share personal details, or unrealistic images — can leave you feeling:

• Stressed

• Anxious

• Not good enough

• Embarrassed

• Confused

Staying safe online helps you:

• Protect your privacy

• Avoid harmful situations

• Manage your emotions

• Stay confident and in control

• Enjoy the internet without feeling overwhelmed

Your feelings matter — and your safety always comes first.

Your personal details should stay private. This includes:

• Full name

• Address

• School

• Phone number

• Passwords

• Bank details

• Email

Sharing personal information online can lead to:

• Scams

• Identity theft

• Hacking

• Being contacted by unsafe people

Tips to Stay Safe

• Use nicknames or avatars instead of real details

• Check privacy settings on apps and social media

• NEVER share passwords — not even with friends

• If you’ve shared too much, tell a trusted adult straight away

Someone you meet online — in games, chats, or social media — is still a stranger, even if they seem friendly or familiar.

People online can pretend to be:

• Younger than they are

• A friend of a friend

• Someone your age

• Safe or trustworthy

How to protect yourself

• Avoid meeting online people in person

• Don’t share personal photos or details

• Block and report anyone who pressures you

• Tell a trusted adult if someone makes you uncomfortable

If someone misuses your information or tricks you into sharing, report it and speak to an adult immediately.

Cyberbullying happens when someone is mean, threatening, or hurtful online — through messages, posts, comments, images, or group chats.

Cyberbullying can make you feel:

• Sad

• Scared

• Embarrassed

• Alone

• Angry

Tips to Stay Safe

• Don’t reply — reacting gives bullies more power

• Block or mute the person

• Save screenshots as evidence

• Speak to a trusted adult as soon as possible

• Support others if you see them being bullied

You don’t deserve to be treated badly — ever.

Not everything online is real.
A lot of content is edited, exaggerated, or designed to get your attention.

Influencers, adverts, and fake accounts might push:

• “Perfect” bodies

• Unrealistic lifestyles

• Products you don’t need

• Pressure to act or look a certain way

Tips to Stay Safe

Ask yourself:

• “Is this real or edited?”

• “Are they trying to sell something?”

• “Does this make me feel good or bad?”

• “Does this include people like me?”

Unfollow anything that affects your confidence.
Choose positive, realistic accounts that lift you up.

Too much time online can affect your mood, sleep, schoolwork, friendships, and your health. Setting boundaries helps you stay balanced.

Healthy boundaries include:

• Time limits on apps or games

• Turning off your phone at night

• Mixing screen time with real‑life hobbies

• Taking breaks to move, eat, drink and relax

• Choosing what you DO and DON’T want to see online

If switching off feels hard, ask a parent or trusted adult to help you set limits.

Different online spaces send different messages — not all of them good.
Being aware helps you stay in control.

Social Media

Influencers might use filters or editing to promote certain looks or products.

Adverts

Pop‑ups may promise free prizes or quick fixes — often to steal your data or money.

Peer Pressure

Your friends or group chats might push you to post certain pictures or follow trends to fit in.

Tips

Ask:

• “Is this safe?”

• “Do I WANT to share this?”

• “Does this feel like pressure?”

• “Is this true or manipulative?”

You control your online space — not the other way around.

If something online makes you feel:

• Worried

• Scared

• Confused

• Pressured

• Embarrassed

• Uncomfortable

You should not deal with it alone.

What to do

• Save any messages or screenshots

• Block or report the person or content

• Tell a trusted adult like:

  • A parent

  • Teacher

  • School nurse

  • HSIS Youth Worker

You deserve to feel safe every time you go online.

The Online World Is Changing

The internet is constantly evolving — and while it offers amazing opportunities to learn, play, socialise and explore, it also creates new risks that young people need to understand. From AI‑powered algorithms to deepfakes, VR worlds and online grooming, staying safe online is more important than ever.

This page will help you understand new digital dangers, why they matter, and how to stay in control of your online life.

1. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Decision Making

AI is everywhere online — from the videos you watch to the ads you see. Apps and websites use algorithms to personalise what you see based on your activity.

Why is AI an Issue?

• AI can create filter bubbles, showing you only certain opinions.

• Your likes, searches and viewing habits can be used to shape what you think or buy.

• AI can push harmful content, like unhealthy beauty standards or materialistic lifestyles.

How to Support Yourself

• Think critically: Always ask why a certain post was shown to you.

• Understand algorithms: Know that apps are designed to keep you scrolling — not to keep you healthy.

• Take back control: If content makes you feel bad, unfollow, block or reset your feed.

2. Exposure to Inappropriate Content

Young people may accidentally come across violent, graphic, sexual, or disturbing content online.

Why is it an Issue?

• It can cause anxiety, fear, confusion, or trauma.

• It may affect how you view relationships, safety, or your own body.

• It can desensitise you to real-world harm.

How to Stay Safe

• Use safety settings and parental controls where needed.

• Talk openly with an adult if you see something upsetting.

• Remember: You are not in trouble for seeing something by accident.

3. Online Predators and Grooming

Online grooming happens when someone builds trust with a young person to exploit them emotionally, sexually, or financially.

Why is it an Issue?

• Predators can hide behind fake profiles.

• They use kindness, gifts, and flattery to manipulate.

• Young people may not realise what’s happening until it feels too late.

How to Protect Yourself

• Be cautious with strangers online.

• Never share personal photos, private details, or meet someone without a trusted adult.

• Report anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.

• Speak to a trusted adult if you’re unsure about someone’s behaviour.

4. Body Image and Social Media Pressures

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat are filled with “perfect” bodies, diets, lifestyles, and filters.

Why is it an Issue?

• Creates unrealistic expectations about beauty or success.

• Leads to low self-esteem, comparison, or body dissatisfaction.

• Can trigger unsafe behaviours like extreme dieting or over‑exercising.

How to Support Yourself

• Follow accounts that show real, diverse people.

• Remember: most images are edited or filtered.

• Focus on your qualities, not your appearance.

• Seek support if body image is affecting your mental health.

5. How the Internet Is Changing: New Dangers to Be Aware Of

The online world is advancing fast. Here’s what young people should prepare for:

Deepfakes & Misinformation

Deepfakes are ultra‑realistic videos or images that are completely fake.

Why it’s dangerous:

• Can ruin reputations or be used to bully.

• Makes it harder to know what’s true.

• Can lead to confusion, fear, or manipulation.

How to stay safe:

• Double‑check before sharing videos or images.

• If something feels off — it probably is.

Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR)

VR and AR worlds are becoming more immersive.

Potential risks:

• Spending too much time in virtual worlds.

• Exposure to violent or inappropriate content.

• Unsafe interactions with strangers in VR spaces.

• Detachment from real-life responsibilities and relationships.

AI‑Powered Personalisation

AI learns your habits — sometimes too well.

Risks:

• You may be pushed toward toxic content.

• Over‑targeted ads can manipulate your emotions.

• Your digital footprint could be misused.

Social Media Algorithms & Mental Health

Algorithms push content that keeps you engaged — not content that’s healthy for you.

Why this matters:

• Creates cycles of comparison, jealousy, and low mood.

• Encourages relying on likes and comments for self-worth.

• Can increase anxiety and depression.

Dark Web & Harmful Online Communities

Some online spaces encourage harmful behaviours, hate groups, or dangerous challenges.

Why it’s dangerous:

• Can lead to radicalisation or risky behaviour.

• May expose you to scams, illegal content, or exploitation.

• Encourages secrecy and isolation.

Virtual Identities & Loss of Privacy

Young people are encouraged to share more than ever — photos, locations, feelings, routines.

Risks include:

• Harassment

• Doxxing (sharing your private info publicly)

• Stalking

• Identity theft

• Long-term consequences for school, jobs or safety

You deserve privacy — protect it.

Online Addictions Beyond Gaming

It’s not just gaming. Social media, YouTube, streaming, shopping, and even productivity apps can be addictive.

Potential effects:

• Poor sleep

• Stress

• Falling behind at school

• Feeling disconnected from real life

• Anxiety when offline

How to Stay Safe Online: Key Advice

✅ Think before you share

Once something is online, it can spread fast.

✅ Protect your personal details

Your information belongs to YOU.

✅ Be careful with strangers

Not everyone is who they say they are.

✅ Use privacy settings

Keep accounts locked down.

✅ Report anything worrying

You’re never in the wrong for speaking up.

✅ Take breaks and balance screen time

Your body and mind need rest.

✅ Talk to someone you trust

You don’t have to manage online challenges alone.