Being online can be lots of fun, but just like when we are out and about, we have to keep ourselves safe. We call this e-safety. 

 You wouldn't cross the road without looking, would you?  Well, we have to check first when going online...

Step 1: Stop (Are you allowed?)

Adults should know when you are using the Internet.  It's not because they're nosy! It's their job to keep you safe, even when you are in the online 'world'. This is the same at school and at home. Don't use something different to what you've been asked to use, and try to use things in the same room as an adult at home, even mobile devices.

Step 2:  Look (Are you old enough?)

Is the content you are using ok for you?  Is it age restricted? There are some games and sites that are carefully checked and given an age range. Sometimes this means that something is age-restricted. Even if you feel grown-up, these are not for you to use. You might end up feeling sad, scared or upset because of something you see or hear. Nobody wants that.

 It is illegal to “supply” a game for “reward” to an individual who is under the stated age rating. This means they would not be sold to you. They are not suitable. More information is below.  At school we make sure content is appropriate to you in your lessons.

Step 3: Listen (Stay Safe)

When you are online, you still need to look after yourself, just like you keep looking both ways while you are crossing the road. Don't worry that you can't tell someone if something has gone wrong online, or if something just doesn't feel right. Tell your parents, tell a teacher. They will not be angry, they will be proud that you did the right thing, and pleased that you felt able to talk to them.

How games and apps are rated...

 In the UK all boxed video-games must have a PEGI (Pan European Game Information) rating specifying who the content is appropriate for: 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+ or 18+-year-olds. Digital stores on game consoles voluntarily require a PEGI rating for games to be sold.

 Smartphone and tablet game ratings are defined by each platform holder. On Android developers rate their content as being for everyone or requiring Low, Medium or High Maturity. On iOS developers rate their content as appropriate for different ages, 4+, 9+, 12+ and 17+. On Windows phone developers rate their content as being appropriate for 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+ or 18+ players.