Online safety
Introduction
The internet is a great way to find information or get support quickly. But it’s important to remember that it is possible for people can track what you do online. For example, you might worry that your parents could see the websites you’ve visited that you didn’t want them to know about. There are also bad people who might try to follow your online activity and use that information to harm you or others. That’s why it’s so important to stay safe, be careful about what you share, and talk to a trusted adult if anything online makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.
There are some things you can do to make it less likely that others will be able to track your activity online.
Clearing your browser history
When you browse the internet, your computer or laptop stores information about the websites you’ve visited. You can clear your browser history to make it less likely that someone else will see where you’ve been online.
Click below for information on how to clear your browsing history:
Using private or incognito mode
Browsing in private or incognito mode means your online activity won’t be saved on the laptop or computer.
Click here for information on how to browse in private or incognito mode.
Logging out of websites that need a password
Make sure that you log out of websites that need a password, such as social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter or your email account. This is especially important if you are using a public computer in a library or internet café.
Opening a new window or tab
If you’re browsing a website you don’t want others to see, keep another document or website open in a new window or tab. That way, if someone comes into the room, you can quickly switch to the other window and keep your activity private.
Using the “Hide this site” option
Many websites, especially ones that give advice on child protection or domestic abuse, have a ‘hide this site’ button in one of the corners of the page. If you click it, your browser will quickly switch to the Google homepage or another safe site – so you can leave the page fast, like if a family member walks in.