How to protect yourself on the Internet

It almost seems like a lie, but not everyone is on the Internet for the best reasons.

Some are interested in being a troll or bully to hurt others. Those who want to know other people's secrets to take advantage of them. Even those who are only interested in harming children and young people. As we don't know everyone's intentions, we give you some tips on how to protect yourself.

THERE IS INFORMATION ABOUT IT THAT YOU SHOULD NEVER GIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR CONVERSATION APPS. YOUR FULL NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR IN WHICH SCHOOL YOU WALK. SOME ADULTS PASS LIKE KIDS TO STEAL INFORMATION AND KNOW MORE THAN THEY SHOULD

Did you know that you shouldn't have a social media account before age 13? Until then, of course, you can always have a look, but always try to do it with an adult nearby. Talk to an adult about rules and behaviour.

When you're old enough to have your own account on a social network, don't accept friend requests from people you don't know. Not everyone is who they say they are on the Internet. It could be that bully from school who wants to upset you or even an adult with bad intentions, posing as someone else.

‍Ask your parents to help you with the privacy settings of your account on social networks, so that only your real friends and people in your family can see what you share.

• ‍Bullies: don't talk to them. A bully (a person who torments you) is someone who will try to insult you in private or in conversation groups. Who will chase you online and who, above all, makes you feel bad about yourself.

At the first sign that someone is doing this to you, talk to a parent or teacher, a friend, someone you trust. Hiding that you are being attacked by someone is the worst thing to do. These people have nothing better to do in life than to upset others. They hide behind a screen to be mean, so they are just cowards.

Don't talk about the details of your private life on the internet. It is very easy to vent, in an online conversation, with someone who seems to understand us. We talk about what upsets us, about parents, about everyday life, but does that person really understand you or do they want the best for you?

Talk to your parents about the websites, games and applications you use. Tell them about the friends you make there and the activities they like to do together, share with them your achievements and what you have learned. They will love to know everything and will also be able to help you if anything goes less well.‍

Never agree to meet someone you only know online. If someone proposes that you meet face to face, talk about it with your parents right away. If they think it's worth it, they'll accompany you. Never go alone.

Do not share photos where you are at the moment, much less at the school door. When you take a fun photo with your friends in these situations and post it on Instagram, Facebook, any other app or chat group, it can easily be shared, and everyone knows where to find you. Even people who don't want the best for you ... At your school, there must also be rules about sharing images. Talk to your teachers and colleagues about it.

Trust your parents, teachers and colleagues to talk about anything you find on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable, confused or afraid.