Staying safe online

Play safe, be safe, stay safe.

Being online with your computer and mobile can be good fun. But don't have fun at someone else's expense. Using your mobile or the internet to bully, hurt or upset someone else is pretty low.

It's also important to remember that online, not everyone is who they say they are. So if you're getting messages from a new friend you've never met, please be careful.

Get more info on Internet and TXT chatroom safety from NetSafe as well as from the other useful links below.

Guidelines
Links for kids
Links for Teenagers
Links for parents
Other useful links

Chatting

Remember chat buddies may not be who they say they are.
Other chatters can only see your nickname, not your number. Be cautious of other chatters who ask too many personal questions – especially if they won't stop asking, even after you've told them not to.
If another chatter asks things that make you uncomfortable, nervous or scared stop communicating with them and send the IGNORE command to 220 to block them out.
It's best not to have face-to-face meetings with chat room friends. If you really REALLY want to, play it safe:
- Tell a parent or trusted adult friend what you are doing and when.
- Go with a group of friends.
- Meet in a public place.
- Take your mobile with you.
- Don't rely on your new chat friend for transport anywhere
Always chat with the respect you'd expect from others.
If ever you ever feel a bit weird, tell someone you trust.
Get more info on Internet and TXT Chatroom safety from NetSafe.
TXTchat messages containing sexual references, racist, threatening or intimidating behaviour or commercial advertising may get you removed from using TXTchat. Harassing or threatening behaviour may result in criminal prosecution.
We reserve the right to remove individuals from TXTchat at our discretion.

Sending TXT, PXT and Video PXT

Think before you send something. Be sure you'd be happy receiving it, and you'd be happy for everyone to know you sent it.
Don't use language or pictures that might upset or offend people.
Ask if it's ok before you take a PXT of someone.
If you want to send a PXT to another mobile or email address -ask again if it's OK.
Don't be rude or offensive. Treat people the way you want to be treated.
Don't give out your personal details – especially your address – to anyone you don't know or trust.

Receiving TXT, PXT and Video PXT

If someone sends you a TXT or PXT that makes you uncomfortable or unhappy, don't reply. It just encourages them to send more.
If someone is sending you lots of TXTs or PXTs that offend or upset you, make sure you tell a parent or adult friend you trust. You can also call us from your Vodafone mobile on 777 and tell us about the messages, when you received them and which mobile number sent them. We'll work through the options, but we can't do anything if you've replied to the TXTs or PXTs.
If you get a message that threatens you, call the Police immediately.

Stay safe online by watching the adventures of a group of animated underwater characters: