Using the Internet safely

Use of the Internet in Durham County Council libraries is free. We do have a filtering system in place which aims to block access to undesirable sites but there will inevitably be occasions when sites are found which have evaded the filtering system. Children should be told to immediately leave any site which makes them feel uncomfortable and inform a member of staff.

Kidsmart have established these 5 SMART tips which children should follow to stay safe on the Internet.

Safe Staying safe involves being careful and not giving out your name, address, mobile phone number or password to people online.

Meeting Arranging to meet someone you have contacted on the Internet can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents/carers permission, and only when they can be present.

Accepting If you accept e-mails or open files from people you don't really know or trust you can get into trouble - they may contain viruses or nasty messages.

Reliable Anyone can put or say anything on the Internet. Someone online may be lying about who they are and information you find on the Internet may not be reliable.

Tell Your parent or carer if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.

Organisations who offer good advice on Internet safety for children, their parents and carers are:

Kidsmart
Parents Centre
Chatdanger