Chat and Online Safety

To ensure your community experiences are safe and fun, it is important to learn about the potential risks that exist when you communicate with people you don’t know and how to protect yourself online.

The same vulnerabilities and dangers that exist in the real world also exist online.

Don’t disclose personal information.

Information like your full name, workplace, phone number and email address can be used to identify where you live. Don’t be afraid to refuse personal information if asked.

Protect your passwords.

Never give out your passwords or any information that might give others clues about your passwords.

Post non-revealing photos online.

Be careful not to reveal too much information about yourself through your photos. Any photos you post online or on a mobile site could be there forever.

Be aware of who can view your information.

Any information or photos you post online could potentially be shared or viewed by anyone. Think about this before you upload any personal information.

Think before you post.

Don’t post any messages that you aren’t comfortable saying in public. What you post online could be stored permanently by others.

Don't respond to cyberbullies.

If someone is sending you messages that upset you, don’t respond to them. Report them to a trusted family member, friend or the authorities who can do something about it.

Take caution with strangers.

Use the same care with strangers online as you would in the real world.

Respect your friends' privacy.

Don’t give out any of your friends’ information to strangers.

Don't meet offline.

If you are being pressured to meet offline report this immediately to a family member or the authorities.

Chatting online is different from chatting in real life. Here are some tips to help make sure the community is a fun and safe place for everyone.

Think before you send.

Don’t post any messages you aren’t comfortable saying in public and wouldn’t want the entire community to see.

Get with the lingo

Understand what you are sending and receiving.

Respect.

Always treat other community members with respect.

Don't write in capital letters.

This is considered ‘YELLING’.

Don't post messages when you are angry.

You may regret sending an angry message. Wait until you are calm and re-think your tone.

It is illegal to threaten, intimidate or harass other people.

It is illegal to threaten people over the Internet, via email, in person or on the phone.

Be cautious in your interactions with others.

Some people might misunderstand the comments, jokes and pictures that you post and send – even the username that you use.

Emoticons can help you communicate better.

The use of ‘smileys’ or emoticons can help to communicate your tone more clearly.

For more information and tips on cyber safety, visit Telstra.com