Be careful when posting and publishing information online. The web is much more open than it seems, with virtually no anonymity and privacy.
1. Provocative and sexy names and photos can attract the attention of people you do not want in your life.
2. Taking and posting photos of sexually explicit content, including of yourself, could also be considered as creating and distributing child pornography which is punishable by law.
3. Engaging in sexually explicit conversations could expose you to molesters. Don’t try to outsmart them.
4. If you open your computer to share files or if you download files from the internet, be careful because, in doing so, you could be downloading material that is not age appropriate or that is even illegal.
5. Sexual solicitation of a child by an adult or propositioning a child by an adult or agreeing to meet with the intention of engaging in sexual activities with a minor are criminal offences. You should notify your parents and, if necessary, the police.
6. If you meet someone online who makes sexual advances towards you, you should cut off contact with them immediately either by logging out or blocking them and notify your parents or another competent adult, and also your internet service provider. If necessary, contact the police. You can call the Child Helpline free of charge around the clock on 116111. In case of an emergency call 112.
7. Don’t let your friends change your values or the way you behave. If you are surfing the web with your friends, don’t do things with them that you wouldn’t do alone.
8. Be careful when you decide to meet someone that you only know through the internet. It could be an impostor. Bring a friend, tell your parents in advance. Arrange to meet in a public place. Make sure you have your mobile phone and a way to quickly get away if needed.
9. Don’t bully anyone online! The same rules of politeness that apply in real life also apply when communicating online.
The material has been compiled by the youth information portal Teeviit based on Targalt Internetis www.targaltinternetis.ee. Source: University of New Hampshire, unh.edu/ccrc
Targalt Internetis (Smart Online) is an initiative by the Estonian Union for Child Welfare. The Union for Child Welfare is recognised as an advocate for children’s rights in society and, for best results, they focus on the most important issues in the field.
Published in the youth information portal Teeviit in 2022.
