A guide to staying safe online
Staying Safe Online: Navigating the Digital World with Has2bhappy Care
At Has2bhappy Care, we are incredibly proud of our "Outstanding" rating from the CQC, a testament to our commitment to providing the highest quality, person-centred care for adults with a learning disability. Part of that commitment means empowering the people we support to live full and independent lives, and in today's world, that includes confidently and safely navigating the exciting world of the internet.
The internet offers incredible opportunities to connect with friends and family, learn new things, enjoy hobbies, and access a wealth of information. However, just like the real world, the online world has its own set of rules and potential risks. At Has2bhappy Care, we believe that with the right knowledge and support, everyone can enjoy the benefits of being online safely.
Here are some key ways we help the people we support stay safe online, along with tips for everyone in our Has2bhappy Care family:
Think Before You Click or Share
The internet is a public place, and once something is online, it can be very difficult to remove. We encourage everyone to:
Pause and Ponder: Before clicking on a link, opening an email, or sharing a photo or personal information, take a moment to think if it feels right. Does it come from someone you know and trust? Does the offer seem too good to be true?
Keep Personal Information Private: Your full name, address, phone number, and bank details are private. Never share these with someone you don't know and trust, especially online.
Be Mindful of Photos and Videos: Think about who might see your pictures and videos online. Once they are posted, they can be seen by many people.
Connect Safely with Others
Social media and online chat can be fantastic ways to stay in touch, but it's important to be cautious:
"Friend" People You Know: Only accept friend requests or connect with people you know in real life. If someone you don't know tries to connect, it's okay to say no.
Privacy Settings are Your Friend: We help individuals understand and set their privacy settings on social media and other platforms. This helps control who can see their posts, pictures, and personal information. If you need support with this, please talk to a Has2bhappy Care team member.
Report Anything Uncomfortable: If someone online makes you feel uncomfortable, sad, or worried, tell a trusted Has2bhappy Care staff member, family member, or friend straight away. You can block people who are bothering you.
Spotting Scams and Fake Information
Unfortunately, some people online try to trick others. We help individuals to be aware of:
Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True: If an offer online promises something amazing for very little effort or money, it's probably a scam.
Messages Asking for Money or Bank Details: No legitimate organisation will ask for your bank details or money via an unexpected email or message.
Fake News: Not everything you read or see online is true. We encourage critical thinking and seeking information from trusted sources.
Understanding Inappropriate Content and What to Do
Sometimes, you might accidentally see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused. This could be pictures, videos, or messages that are not right. It's also possible that someone might try to send you inappropriate sexual pictures or ask you to look at illegal content.
Remember these important points:
It's NOT Your Fault: If you see something inappropriate or are sent something you don't like, it is never your fault.
Don't Keep it a Secret: It's very important to tell a trusted Has2bhappy Care staff member, family member, or friend immediately. They are there to help you and keep you safe.
Do Not Open or Share: If you receive a picture or message that makes you feel uncomfortable, do not open it, and definitely do not share it with anyone else.
Block and Report: Your trusted adult can help you block the person who sent it and report the content to the website or app.
Illegal Content: If you are ever asked to look at or sent anything that you think might be illegal, it is crucial to tell a trusted adult straight away. This is very serious, and they will know how to get the right help.
What to Do if You're Worried
We want everyone at Has2bhappy Care to feel safe and supported. If you or someone you know is worried about something online:
Talk to a Trusted Adult: Our dedicated Has2bhappy Care team members are always here to listen and help. Please don't keep it to yourself.
Don't Blame Yourself: If you encounter something unpleasant online, it's not your fault.
Reporting: We can help you report harmful content or online bullying to the relevant platforms or authorities if needed.
Our Commitment to Online Safety
At Has2bhappy Care, online safety is an integral part of our holistic approach to care. Our staff receive ongoing training to understand the latest online risks and how to best support individuals. We use accessible resources and engage in open conversations to ensure everyone feels confident and empowered in the digital world.
The internet is a wonderful tool, and by working together, we can ensure that everyone in the Has2bhappy Care family can explore it safely and happily. If you have any questions or concerns about online safety, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our team.