Online Safety

SMARTE 💜 Kindness Principles

These principles form a holistic model of ethical digital engagement rooted in compassion and community. Click or hover over each card to learn more about staying safe online.

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SAFE

Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information

Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information such as your full name, email address, phone number, home address, photos or school name – to people you are chatting with online.

Safety Tips:

Never share your full name online
Keep your address private
Don't share school photos
Protect your phone number

🌸

MEETING

Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous

Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents' or carers' permission and even then, only when they can be present.

Safety Tips:

Always ask permission first
Never meet alone
Meet in public places
Bring a trusted adult

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ACCEPTING

Be careful what you accept from people you don't know

Accepting emails, instant messages, or opening files, pictures or texts from people you don't know, or trust can lead to problems – they may contain viruses or nasty messages.

Safety Tips:

Don't open unknown files
Be wary of suspicious links
Check sender addresses
Use antivirus software

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RELIABLE

Not everything online is true - always verify information

The internet is full of information, but some of it might not always be true, or someone online may be lying about who they are. Always be cautious about the information you read and share online. Take the time to verify facts and avoid passing along false or misleading content.

Safety Tips:

Check multiple sources
Question suspicious claims
Verify before sharing
Look for official sources

🔴

TELL

Always tell a trusted adult if something worries you

Tell your parent, guardian or a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, or if you or someone you know is being bullied online.

Safety Tips:

Don't keep worries to yourself
Talk to parents or teachers
Report cyberbullying
Trust your instincts

🔵

ETHICAL

Do the right thing, even when no one is watching

Do the right thing, even when no one is watching and treating others with fairness and respect.

Safety Tips:

Be honest online
Respect others' privacy
Don't cheat or copy
Stand up for what's right

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KINDNESS

Be smart with a kind heart

Be smart with a kind heart by being kind and respectful to others online. Make the internet a better place by helping your friends if they are worried or upset by anything that happens online.