Guide to Safe Internet Use

The following guidelines will help to ensure that your experience of using the internet is a safe and enjoyable one:

• Never tell anyone you meet on the internet your home address, your telephone number or the name of your school;
• Never send anyone your picture, credit card or bank details without first checking with a member of staff;
• Never give your password to anyone, not even your best friend;
• Never arrange to meet anyone in person;
• Never hang around in a chat room or in an online conference if someone says or writes something which makes you feel uncomfortable or worried;
• Never respond to nasty, suggestive or rude emails or postings in usenet groups. It is not your fault if you receive a message like this. If you do, tell a member of staff immediately;
• Always tell a member of staff if you see bad language or distasteful pictures while you are online;
• Always remember if someone makes you an offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is;
• Some information received via the internet can be deemed to be criminal under Scots law. This can include sexually explicit or violent images. Under no circumstances should you deliberately access such sites;
• Remember you are not responsible for the fact that any of the above is on the internet. If you accidentally access any website dealing with any of the topics mentioned please inform a member of staff immediately. If the site is illegal we can help to take action against it.