What can go wrong?

Some people without good intentions can try to persuade you to post inappropriate or sexual content online either via your digital camera, phone or on webcam. If you feel uncomfortable about anything that anyone asks you to do online, in a chat area, IM, social networking site or elsewhere – block them and then report it. - ‘CEOP report’ You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to – even if you have done it before; so be strong with these people and say no if your instincts tell you it's not right.

Seeing things you wish you hadn't

The web is open for anyone to post material on it and that means sometimes there are things that you’ll see, which you wish you hadn’t. If you see something that you just don’t like, just close the screen on your laptop or turn off the monitor and go and an adult you trust. If there’s no one around, close the site using the cross at the top of the browser. If you think the content might be illegal, like racist hate sites or pictures of children being abused you can report it directly to an organisation called the internet watch foundation: www.iwf.org.uk. If the thing you don’t like is a person – so for example, someone exposing themselves on webcam or sending you indecent pictures – you can report that to CEOP and we will help. Use ‘CEOP report’

Talking to weirdos

Unfortunately, as well as great people, there are some really strange people who use the internet - people who aren’t friendly or who have bad intentions. If someone is being nasty to you online or on your mobile, have a look at our bullying section for help and practical advice.

If someone is being inappropriate; saying sexual things or asking you to do things that you feel are wrong, start by saving the conversation, blocking them and then report it to CEOP using ‘CEOP report’ Sometimes, people can seem really friendly and then do things which make you question the friendship and make you feel weird.

Feeling Pressured to do things you don't want to

People who are looking to abuse young people online will often manipulate relationships and pressure you into doing things you feel uncomfortable with. Examples of this can include talking in a way that you don’t like, asking you to do things on webcam or with your camera that feel wrong or uncomfortable or making you feel anxious or trapped in a romantic or sexual relationship.

The first thing to realise about this kind of relationship is that it is wrong. Adults who pressure young people into doing anything that they don’t feel comfortable with should be reported using ‘CEOP report’ and blocked. They can be very clever and make you feel as though you have to do something because you owe them, or because otherwise they will get you in trouble.

This is wrong and you should report them.

Will I get into trouble?

NO!

You need to know that you won’t be in trouble, whatever you have done. These adults are sometimes very skilful at making those they abuse or try to build a relationship with, feel guilty about what has happened. They do this to try and make the young person keep quiet about what has happened. It can make you feel unsafe and dirty. If someone does this to you, the responsibility for what happened is theirs, not yours and you can talk it through with a number of different people. Find out who here.

Who can I tell if I'm worried?

There are lots of people who want to help.

Talk to someone you trust

If you feel comfortable, you can talk to an adult you trust, such as a teacher or relative.

Talk to someone in confidence

If you prefer, you can talk to Childline. A confidential helpline run by the NSPCC. You can call them on 0800 1111 or go online at www.childline.org

Report it

If you are worried about something that is happening to you online, you can report it here. ‘CEOP report’

What you can report here...

Any activity which makes you feel uncomfortable. For example, this could be a conversation with someone online who you think might be an adult and is talking to you in a sexually explicit way or who is trying to meet you for sex.

What you should report somewhere else...

Content that you have seen online, which you think may be illegal, should be reported to the Internet Watch Foundation who will contact the police if necessary.

If you are being bullied you can talk to someone in confidence by calling ChildLine on: 0800 1111, or by visiting www.childline.org

For more information and advice visit our cyberbullying section of this website and also check out: www.beatbullying.org

Where does your report go?

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre- or CEOP for short - is staffed by specialist police officers, social workers, counselors and investigators. Your report will go to straight to them.

What happens next?

Your report will go to experts who are specialists in the Internet. They understand how easy it is to be tricked online and will take your report seriously. You won’t be in trouble, so try not to worry. Someone will be then be in touch with you to make sure you’re okay and to talk about what happens next

CEOP works hard to protect children and young people all over the UK and the world. Any time spent on hoax reports is time spent away from helping those really are in trouble. CEOP staff can track hoax reports, so please don’t waste our time and yours with tricks or pranks.

Where else can I go for help, advice and Support?

Check out more info on this site but if you want to talk to someone - go to your parent/carer or another adult you trust.

If you need to talk to someone in confidence - go to the NSPCC’s site www.childline.org, or call Childline on 0800 1111.

You can also speak to the Samaritans. The Samaritans provides confidential emotional support for people who are in emotional distress including those who have suicidal thoughts. If you are worried, feel upset or confused and just want to talk you can email the Samaritans. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Look out for this icon on other websites.

This means that you can report abuse directly to CEOP from those sites. For example, MSN Live Messenger has a tab with this icon on it.