Newsround: Staying Safe in the Online World

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Newsround: Staying Safe in the Online World

In today's digital age, children and young people are spending more time online than ever before. While the internet can be a great tool for learning, entertainment, and connecting with friends, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers that lurk online.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a serious problem that can have a lasting impact on young people. It involves using the internet or other electronic devices to bully or harass someone. Cyberbullying can take many forms, including:

Sending hurtful or threatening messages
Spreading rumors or lies
Posting embarrassing photos or videos
Excluding someone from online groups

Cyberbullying can be extremely damaging to young people, causing them to feel isolated, depressed, and even suicidal.

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Sexting

Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit photos or videos via text message, email, or social media. Sexting can be dangerous because:

It can be shared with others without your consent
It can be used to blackmail or harass you
It can damage your reputation

Online Predators

Online predators are adults who use the internet to target children and young people for sexual exploitation. Predators may use online games, social media, or other platforms to connect with young people and groom them for abuse.

Protecting Yourself Online

There are a number of things that children and young people can do to protect themselves online, including:

Be careful about what you share. Don't share personal information, such as your address, phone number, or email address, with people you don't know.
Use strong passwords. Create strong passwords that are difficult to guess and don't share them with anyone.
Be aware of privacy settings. Make sure you understand the privacy settings on your social media accounts and other online platforms.
Tell someone you trust if you're being bullied or harassed online. Don't suffer in silence. Reach out to a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult for help.

How to Report Cyberbullying

If you are being cyberbullied, there are a few things you can do:

Newsround: Staying Safe in the Online World

Save the evidence. Take screenshots or print out any messages or posts that are harassing or threatening.
Report the bully. Report the bully to the website or platform where the bullying is taking place. Most websites and platforms have policies against cyberbullying and will take action to stop it.
Tell someone you trust. Talk to a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult about what is happening. They can help you take the next steps to stop the bullying.

Sexting: What to Do If You're Involved

If you are involved in sexting, it's important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you.

Talk to someone you trust. Talk to a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult about what is happening. They can help you get the support you need.
Delete the photos or videos. If you have any sexually explicit photos or videos of yourself, delete them immediately.
Report the person who is pressuring you. If someone is pressuring you to sext, report them to the website or platform where the sexting is taking place. Most websites and platforms have policies against sexting and will take action to stop it.

Online Predators: How to Stay Safe

There are a number of things you can do to stay safe from online predators, including:

Be careful about who you talk to online. Don't talk to people you don't know online.
Never meet someone in person who you have only met online. If someone you met online wants to meet you in person, never go alone. Always tell a parent or another trusted adult where you are going and who you are meeting.
Be aware of the signs of grooming. Grooming is a process that predators use to gain the trust of children and young people so that they can sexually abuse them. If someone is paying you special attention or making you feel special, be wary.
Tell someone you trust if you are being contacted by a predator. Don't suffer in silence. Reach out to a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult for help.

Additional Resources

There are a number of helpful resources available to children and young people who are concerned about online safety. Some of these resources include:

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE

Conclusion

The internet can be a great tool for learning, entertainment, and connecting with friends. However, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers that lurk online. By taking steps to protect yourself, you can help ensure that your online experience is a positive one.

Table 1: Cyberbullying Statistics

Statistic	Source
1 in 4 students have been bullied online	National Center for Education Statistics
37% of teens have experienced cyberbullying at least once	Pew Research Center
Cyberbullying victims are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Table 2: Sexting Statistics

Statistic	Source
20% of teens have sent or received a sext	University of New Hampshire
Girls are more likely to sext than boys	National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Sexting can have serious consequences, including damage to reputation, blackmail, and even legal charges	National Sexual Violence Resource Center

Table 3: Online Predator Statistics

Statistic	Source
1 in 5 children will be solicited online for sex	National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Online predators often use social media and other online platforms to target children	Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
Predators may groom children by building trust and offering support	National Center for Victims of Crime