Online crime – 16 plus

Cyber-bullying

Cyber-bullying is simply bullying that happens online – this includes sending nasty, offensive, humiliating or threatening messages. To find out more about cyber-bullying, click here.

Cyber-stalking

When people use the internet to harass or frighten someone, it’s called cyber-stalking. This can be really disturbing to experience as it can happen at all times of the day and night. Find out more about cyber-stalking here.

Identity theft

Identity theft is when a fraudster accesses your personal details online and then uses them to commit a crime. This can include opening a bank account in your name, taking out mobile phone contracts, or ordering items online using your bank details. The more information you put online, the bigger the risk there is of happening to you. Read our golden rules about staying safe online below.

Sexting

Sexting is when you send or receive pictures/images of someone in their underwear or naked. These images or videos can be sent between boyfriend and/or girlfriend, friends or someone you’ve met online. Anyone who is under the age of 18 and sends photographs of themselves naked or in underwear is breaking the law.

You can be drawn into sexting because:

• you want to fit in with in with friends;
• you’re pressured to prove your sexuality;
• you’re harassed, threatened or blackmailed into sending pictures;
• you’re made to feel guilty if you don’t do what your girlfriend/boyfriend asks;
• you feel it’s ok because you’re in love with the person and trust them; or
• you feel proud of your body and want to share it with other people.

However, remember: there is no turning back once you press send – even if you use apps like Snapchat, people can save pictures by taking screen shots.

Illegal and adult websites

Some websites and apps show sex, violence, drug abuse and illegal activities. It can be frightening and embarrassing to come across something you know is illegal on the internet.

If you do come across anything of this nature, you should report this. Even though you might be embarrassed, it is important that you report this to allow the police to act upon it. You won’t get in trouble if you do. If you feel that you don’t want to report it to the police, you can contact us at Voice for help and support.

Grooming

Grooming is when someone tries to gain your trust to take advantage of you sexually.

This includes when someone tries to turn you against your friends, keep you from your family or bullies you in to staying in a friendship or relationships with them.

Anyone who does anything like this is not your friend, boyfriend or girlfriend – they’re a criminal.

These types of relationships often start online and include someone you’ve never met in person asking you for pictures or videos in your underwear or naked.

If this happens, you must tell an adult you trust, speak to Voice and/or tell the police. Never send images or videos, or agree to meet up with someone you’ve only spoken to online.

Inappropriate content

The internet has many sites featuring sex, violence and drug abuse – and other illegal activities. It can be frightening and embarrassing to come across something you know is illegal on the internet. If you’re upset by anything you see, speak to Voice.

• never post personal information online. Don’t tell anyone your address, email address or mobile number, or where you go to school or college. Keep personal information as general as possible;
• never let anyone know your passwords and change them regularly. Check the privacy settings on accounts like Facebook/Twitter and make sure you know how to keep your personal information private. If you don’t, Voice can help;
• think very carefully before posting photos of yourself online. Once your picture is online, anyone can download it, share it and even change it;
• never meet someone you have only been in contact with online. This can be extremely dangerous, even if you have been talking to them for a long time;
• never respond or retaliate to negative or hurtful posts. Block and report any users that try to bully you on social media sites;
• tell an adult that you trust or a teacher if you’re worried about something or someone that you have come across on the internet. They’ll help you to stay safe;
• only chat to real friends and family online. Keep your online friends to people you know;
• when using chat rooms, make sure they’re moderated;
• use your common sense. If something seems wrong or makes you feel uncomfortable, do not reply and report it.

• never give out personal information such as your address or phone number;
• never send pictures of yourself to anyone;
• never open emails or attachments from people you don’t know;
• never arrange to meet someone in person who you’ve met online;
• if anything you see or read online worries you, tell someone about it.

Talk to an adult you can trust. Tell them what has been going on – you won’t be in trouble and they will help you stay safe and sort any problems out.

Speak to Voice. Our friendly staff can help you deal with any kind of online crime, no matter when or where it happened.