How to stay safe on the internet

The internet is an amazing invention that your parents’ generation could only dream about when they were your age. For you, it is a completely normal thing.

The world of internet is truly fun and interesting. It allows us to explore and discover fascinating and interesting things in seconds, without leaving our house, from anywhere in the world. There is so much variety, that anyone can find something they like – games, films, concerts, interesting facts about animals, countries or celebrities, etc.

We can talk to our friends and relatives in a different country using webcams, and children can use the internet for their homework. Nowadays, children are actively sharing information, photos and videos online as well as registering on forums and meeting new people.

This interesting and fascinating world has many dangers which at first glance seem invisible. The internet is a virtual space, due to which it is very difficult to work out who is really in contact with you – your peer or someone completely different who in reality has bad intentions. Moreover, it is difficult to control who will look at your photos and information and how they will use them.

Unfortunately, children who get in contact with strangers on the internet, have serious problems afterwards.

What are the hidden threats on the internet?

Inappropriate and harmful sites which children can access and accidentally come across shocking, horrifying, and confusing material.

Sharing insulting, embarrassing or harmful stories, photos and videos – for example spreading gossip, altering photos, sharing personal information, and so on. This can be very destructive for children.

Dangerous relationships with people who have bad intentions, want to lie to children or are abusers. These people hide their true identity, become friendly with children and then ask them to take their clothes off in front of a webcam or they themselves take their clothes off and make the children watch.

Bad behaviour such as swearing at ‘friends’, and other insulting and belittling actions.

Computer viruses – as children do not have enough knowledge, they don’t realise that, for example, when downloading a game, they may also be downloading a virus, which damages their computer and allows strangers to access their files and their webcam, and to use them for bad purposes.

This is why it’s so important for you to know the 10 internet safety tips.

1. Never give away your personal information, such as your home address, your phone number, your parents’ workplace and telephone numbers, your school address or telephone number, without your parents’ permission.

2. Don’t send your photos or documents to someone you met on the internet without asking your parents’ permission first. Be careful because someone can use your photos maliciously.

3. Do not agree to meet up with someone you met online without your parents’ permission. If your parents give you permission, meet the person in a busy place, or go to the meeting with your parents.

4. Do not reply to messages or comments which make you feel uncomfortable, tense or nervous. If someone sends you such messages, remember that it’s not your fault and tell your parents about it straightaway.

5. Do not put embarrassing or inappropriate pictures of yourself or your friends online. This will attract attention from the wrong people, such as abusers.

6. Tell your parents straightaway if you come across anything which makes you feel sad, tense, shocked, scared, or uncomfortable.

7. Always get your parents’ or teachers’ permission before downloading a new program, a game or before doing anything which could potentially damage your computer or put your family’s personal information at risk.

8. Follow the rules that your family sets for you about how long, on what days and at what time you should be using the internet, as well as the types of sites you’re allowed to go on.

9. Be considerate when using the internet. Don’t do anything which may harm another person, or may be illegal.

10. Apart from your parents, don’t share your passwords with anyone.


By following these rules and acting responsibly, you will be able to stay safe on the internet.

We wish you a pleasant, interesting and peaceful experience of browsing the web.

If you have any questions, call us on 116 111.

By Public Health Foundation of Georgia (PHF)