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<\/p>\nYou probably use the internet everyday through your mobile phone, tablet, laptop or computer to learn, have fun and keep in touch with friends.<\/p>\n
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It\u2019s important that just like in the real world, you make sure you stay safe while you\u2019re chatting to friends and looking at websites and apps, as people can sometimes use the internet to trick or bully other people and they may pretend to be someone they\u2019re not.<\/p>\n
Online crime is anything that is illegal that happens on line. There are a number of different types of online crime:<\/p>\n
Cyber-bullying<\/strong><\/p>\n This is when people send nasty and upsetting messages to other people online. Usually, cyber-bullying happens on social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat. Cyber-bullies can use these sites to threaten, tease, humiliate or upset you. \u00a0Find out more in our cyber-bullying section<\/a>.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Cyber-stalking <\/strong><\/p>\n When people use the internet to harass or frighten someone, this is called cyber-stalking. This is when someone repeatedly sends intimidating messages that threaten to harm and make the person receiving the messages cared for his or her safety. The actions may be illegal too depending on what they are doing.\u00a0This can be really worrying as it can happen at all times of the day and night.<\/p>\n Identity theft <\/strong><\/p>\n This is when someone uses the internet to get your personal details and then uses them to commit a crime. This can include opening a bank account in your name, applying for mobile phone contracts and ordering items online using your bank details.<\/p>\n The more information you put online, the bigger the risk of this happening to you. Read our golden rules below about staying safe online.<\/p>\n Sexting <\/strong><\/p>\n Sending or receiving pictures of someone in their underwear or naked is called Sexting. These images or videos can be sent from a boyfriend, girlfriend, friend or someone you have met online. Anyone who is under the age of 18 and sends photographs of themselves naked or in underwear is breaking the law!<\/p>\n You can be drawn into sexting because:<\/p>\n Stop and think<\/strong>. Remember: There is no turning back once you press send. Even if you use apps like Snapchat, whoever you send pictures to can take a screen shot to save your picture.<\/p>\n Illegal and adult websites<\/strong><\/p>\n Some websites and apps show sex, violence, drug abuse and illegal activities. It can be frightening and embarrassing to come across something you know is illegal on the internet.<\/p>\n If you see anything that concerns or upsets you, tell an adult or talk to\u00a0Voice.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Grooming<\/strong><\/p>\n Grooming is when older people pretend to be younger, to make friends with young people and have a relationship. with them. It is illegal for anyone under 16 to have sex with someone else, and if someone older tries to have sex with anyone under 16, they are breaking the law.<\/p>\n Grooming can happen on social networks, apps and message boards. The older person may try to trick you by sending you fake pictures, pretending to like the same things you do and by offering you presents to make you trust them.<\/p>\n After the person has your trust, they may try to talk to you about sex \u2013 and ask you to send pictures or videos of yourself, or they may ask you to meet them.<\/p>\n NEVER meet up with someone you have only had contact with online.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
How can I stay safe online?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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The golden rules when online<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What can I do if I have experienced crime online?<\/strong><\/h2>\n