The Internet is a great tool for talking to your friends, looking up information, buying things and lots of other stuff but it’s a public space and – just like in the physical world – you need to be careful and keep yourself safe.

The College has lots of help and support to teach you what is and isn’t safe online. We have an online support site on Moodle and will be highlighting eSafety as a College theme during the year.

A few top tips to get you started:

• SET YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS TO ‘PRIVATE’ so only people you accept as friends can view your profile on social media.
• Only upload photos you’d be happy to show a stranger, your mum or a future employer. YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE THEY MAY END UP.
• THINK ABOUT WHETHER YOU’RE GIVING SOMEONE ‘CLUES’ to finding you before you write stuff on your profile.
• SAVE any abusive texts, emails or other evidence.
• DO NOT RESPOND TO OR CONFRONT AN ONLINE BULLY. If they get a reaction from you, it may encourage them.
• TELL AN ADULT YOU TRUST and they will be able to help make online bullying stop.

If you are worried about anything, please talk to your Progression Coach, Personal Tutor or one of the College Safeguarding Officers. You can also click on the CEOP REPORT button to get in contact with specialists who can help you. This button is available on many sites, including Moodle.

Some of the above information may have changed since publication - please check the Student Handbook for up to date information.