Top Tips on How to Navigate the Online World Safely
Safer Internet Day is an annual celebration of online safety. It aims to raise awareness of how to stay safe online and create a beneficial environment, especially for children and young people. eNurture supported this important campaign on 9th February by inviting Youth Panel member, Praveena, to take over our Instagram.
eNurture focuses on understanding how the digital world affects young people's mental health and wellbeing, and aims to work with parents, teachers and schools to promote positive development for young people up to age 18. To ensure that the work we do is relevant to the needs and concerns of young people, eNurture works closely with a Youth Panel so that their voices are represented. Use Praveena's helpful advice below on how to navigate the online world safely.
Although Safer Internet Day was on 9th February the message of trust and reliability in the online world applies year-round. We consume a lot of content on our devices, but unfortunately, not all of it is trustworthy. Especially in this information-rich age, it is ridiculously easy to spread misinformation. We must all learn to separate fact from fiction, and truth from opinion.
From clickbait headlines to sponsored posts, people often have an agenda that they want you to believe in, and to do that, they may use unreliable, out-of-date, and manipulated information. The person posting the content might want to mislead you: for example, to get you to buy something or to get you to believe in something. Here are some top tips on how to explore the internet in a smartly and safely:
Differentiate between fact and opinion. Often, content creators present their opinions as if it is fact. It is easy to believe them, especially if you like them or if a lot of people seem to agree with them. Before you form an opinion on the matter, do your own research and explore other people's perspectives.
Be wary of online relationships. It might be great to find online friends that share your interests. However, it is always best to be cautious as they may not be who they say they are. Never give out personal information and do not let people online pressure you into doing something you don’t want to.
Always question the source. Websites may look reliable, but they may have their own motive. Their bias may influence how they present their information. Think about whether their content is presented neutrally.
Discuss with your family and friends for a second opinion. This can also help expose you to other perspectives on a particular matter which can encourage critical thinking.
Think about the information you share with your friends, family, and social media. Is the source reliable? News and social media content are often presented in a way to get a reaction out of you, and they may do this by using clickbait headlines and captions. Misinformation spreads when people fail to question the information they come across, and this can have dangerous consequences in the real world.
If any content upsets you, talk to a trusted adult and/or report it to internet service providers. Ask yourself, do you know where to find help? Remember you can always block accounts on social media if they negatively affect you.
The internet is a great resource when used responsibly. There is a world of entertainment and information on the web, but there is also a dangerous amount of misinformation. However, if by learning to navigate the internet in a safe way, we can create an internet we trust!
The UK Safer Internet Centre has great tips and advice for all ages, including resources for parents, teachers, and school.
The eNurture Network commissions innovative research to improve the mental health of children’s and young people in a digital age. Learn how you can be involved with our inspirational network and use our evidence-based resources.
Stay safe and healthy!
Praveena
eNurture Youth Panel Member
Alpha Youth Advisory Group
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