Menu Close

Staying safe online

Almost everyone you meet is now online every day. Accessing the internet and social media sites through your phone, tablet or laptop has lots of benefits - it helps us make and stay in touch with friends, access our favourite music, news and TV shows and helps us research and learn.

But being online can sometimes be dangerous. Images and videos we see on social media can harm our mental health.

There's also a risk young people can become victims of sexual exploitation online.

Digiwise

Digiwise aims to make looked-after children safer in online spaces, and improve their digital lives. Research has proven that children in care are disproportionately vulnerable to online risks. Digiwise aims to improve their online safety.

Find out more here.

Child exploitation and online protection

The place you can report online child sexual exploitation, abuse and inappropriate communications. If you're worried about online abuse, contact CEOP. They can also give you advice about staying safe when you’re on your phone, tablet or computer.

Find out more.

Report Remove

Report Remove can support you in reporting sexual images or videos shared online and enables you to get the image removed if it is illegal.

Find out more.

Childline

A free and private confidential service where you can talk to a trained counsellor about anything you want, whether it be bullying, online abuse, problems with friends or stress about school or families.

Telephone for free on 0800 1111.

Or visit them online.

The Samaritans

Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Telephone for free on 116 123.

Or visit the website.

Coram Voice

Coram Voice will help you if you are in care, leaving care, have or need a social worker. They will make sure your voice is heard, tell you about your rights and give you the support you need.

They're online here.

Shout

A free, confidential 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope with emotional well-being. Text: SHOUT to 85258.

Or you can give them a shout, here.

The Mix

The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people helping you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, homelessness to finding a job, break-ups to drugs. They can chat on their online community, social media, through their free, confidential helpline or their counselling service.

Access help here.