Online SMART goals
S – Safety first! Never give any of your personal or family details to anyone you have never met in real life. This includes your address, personal mobile or home phone numbers. Never give bank details or sign up for anything without an adult’s approval.
M – Meeting is cheating! Never, ever go to meet anyone under any circumstances if you don’t know in real life, even if they say it’s an emergency. Remember the golden friendship rule – If you’re not friends in real life, don’t be friends on the internet.
A – Acceptable behaviour! Never accept friendship requests unless they have been verified by another friend or family member. Never open files, pictures or messages from someone you don’t know.
R – Reliable Resilient & Responsible are the three Rs of online safety! Only communicate with Reliable sources i.e. people you know can be trusted. Always act Responsibly, don’t pass messages on from unknown sources even if you think it’s a joke. Online jokes are not always funny. They may be cruel and It might not end up a laughing matter. Stay Resilient at all times. Never do anything you don’t want to. Remember rash behaviour can be risky.
T - Time to tell! If you feel someone is trying to force you into something you don’t feel comfortable with it may be time to tell an adult. Never keep secrets and never be afraid of asking for help.
Helpful links
Internet matters gives a wide variety of advice for parents and children and covers everything from sexting to cyberbullying - www.internetmatters.org
Childline – 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk
Childnet - www.childnet.com Advice for professionals, parents and children
NSPCC - www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety