The internet is a great way to see more, learn more and have lots of fun, you just have to stay wary and protect yourself.

Zip it, block it, flag it

To help you enjoy it safely, you should follow the “Click clever, click safe code”. It's just three simple things to remember that can help keep you safe when you visit your favourite websites: zip it, block it, flag it.

Zip it

When you’re online, always keep your personal stuff private and think about what you say and do.

Remember that people online may not be who they say they are. Online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time.

Don’t share personal information online. This includes your full name, birthday, address, phone number, school information, photos or places you like to spend time.

Make sure you have set your privacy settings to restrict access to personal information.

When you use chat rooms or instant messenger, use a nickname instead of your real name.

To stop people accessing your online accounts, always keep your passwords secret and change them regularly.

Block it

Think about blocking people who send you nasty messages and don’t open unknown links and attachments.

Always delete emails from people you don’t know, and don’t open attachments from people you don’t know. They might be nasty or contain a virus that can stop your computer working.

Flag it

If you see that anything upsets you online or if someone asks to meet up with you, flag it up with someone you trust.

If you are worried or unhappy about anything you see online, tell a parent or an adult you trust and they can help you. If you want to talk to someone else, you can call Childline on 0800 1111

If a friend you have made online asks to meet you in the offline world, talk to your parents or a trusted adult about it. You should never meet up with someone you have met online without an adult going with you because it is dangerous.

If someone you know is being nasty to someone online, speak to a parent or trusted adult about it.

The Click clever, click safe campaign is brought to you by the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS). Visit www.direct.gov.uk and for more information.