This Safer Internet Day is about starting conversations about how to spot, respond to and report all types of scams online. Scams can take many forms and may target anyone, including young people. Use these top tips to keep you and your family safe online.

Enjoy going online together and talk regularly about your family’s online lives The internet is amazing and can help us all to access information and entertainment. Spend time online with your child to understand how they are using technology and talk together about the good and the bad parts of being online. Talk about your own experiences and find other opportunities to get the conversation started, like stories in the news. Make sure your child knows they can talk to you about anything that they see or experience online.

Take online security measures seriously The internet can be a tool used by criminals to target their victims, but a few simple steps can help keep you and your accounts secure. Use strong and separate passwords for online accounts and set up two step verification (2SV) where it’s available. You may also be able to set parental controls to prevent unwanted online purchases and limit children’s access to harmful content.

Look out for warning signs that someone or something online cannot be trusted “It just seems too good to be true!” – Other common signs of a scam include contact that you weren’t expecting or being asked for money or personal information (think: bank or contact details, passwords, or phone numbers). Scammers use other tactics to manipulate their victims into paying, like playing with your emotions, or building a sense of urgency so you are rushed into making a decision. If you aren’t sure it’s reliable, don’t risk it.

Remember that anyone can be a victim of a scam Scammers are good at what they do and will target anyone. We all need to stay vigilant and support those who are most vulnerable including children and the elderly by helping them recognise what to look out for. If anyone in your family has been scammed, talk openly about it. There should be no shame in being victim to a scam and it’s never your fault.  

Know where to get help if something goes wrong If you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam online, you’re not on your own. Help is available and you are not to blame for what has happened. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can report fraud and cyber crime online to Action Fraud or by telephoning 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland by calling 101.

You may also be able to report via social media, if the scam has taken place there or to another relevant organisation, like your bank, if you think your account is at risk.
Remember, if you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately.

HOW TO SPOT FAKE NEWS

SOURCE BBC BITESIZE

What is fake news?

Fake news means news that is completely untrue – it has been made up.

Where did fake news come from?

Fake news isn’t actually new – people have been making up news for centuries. Social media means it is easier for these stories to spread and this means it is a bigger problem for us. It is also much more difficult to stop these stories from being published because there aren’t checks on what gets put on the internet.

There are two main types of fake news:

1. Disinformation – this is fake or misleading stories created and shared deliberately, often by a writer who might have a financial or political motive, e.g. propaganda. These stories were published even though the person publishing them knew they were false.
2. Misinformation – this also includes fake or misleading stories, but in this case the stories may not have been deliberately created or shared with the intention to mislead. Sometimes stories are published where the facts haven’t been checked properly or some of the story might be true but other bits may have been exaggerated.

Pause before you share:

1. Watch out for the “woah” – emotion fuels fake news. When you see something that makes you feel super sad or super happy, it might be playing on your emotions to get a reaction
2. Beware exaggeration – words like “terrible”, “worst”, “amazing” or “shocking” add drama to a story and make us want to click on it
3. Fight the ‘Illusory Truth Effect’ – the more you hear or see something, the more likely you are to believe it’s true – even if it’s not. If a story seems to be everywhere, remember that doesn’t mean it’s 100% fact
4. Check your ‘filter bubble’ – social media and ads are designed to suggest stories that match your browsing habits, interests and opinions, so watch out for being taken in by fake news that sounds too good to be true!

BBC Bitesize has a lot of very useful resources that you can share with your child/young person explaining why fake news is dangerous and how to spot fake news. You can also take their Happy Valentines: Can you spot the real celebrity couples from the AI online quiz!