Getting online and staying safe

Benefits of getting online

Getting online can make everyday life easier. You can keep in touch with others, find support, manage money and access services. This page brings together guidance to help you get started and feel safe using the internet.

Why go online

When you go online, you can:

  • keep in touch with family and friends by email, messages or video calls
  • meet people who share your interests through groups or social media
  • search for trusted health and wellbeing information
  • catch up on news and newspapers
  • watch TV programmes or listen to the radio
  • shop online for food, clothes, gifts and more
  • use online banking to transfer money, pay bills and check your balance
  • book travel and find good deals on holidays or day trips
  • learn new skills through free online courses

You can go online using a computer, tablet or smartphone. If you don’t have a device at home, your local library or community centre may offer free Wi-Fi and internet access.

Stay safe online

While the internet has many benefits, it’s important to protect your personal information and devices. Here are some simple ways to stay safe:

  • use strong passwords and don’t share them
  • turn on two-factor authentication for important accounts
  • keep your devices and apps updated
  • install antivirus software and keep it up to date
  • be cautious with emails or messages asking for personal information
  • look for ‘https://’ and a padlock icon before entering payment details
  • log out of accounts when using public Wi-Fi or shared computers
  • avoid clicking on suspicious links or pop-up adverts

For more help, visit the Get Safe Online website. It offers free advice on online shopping, banking, security and scams.

Help for beginners

If you’re new to the internet or need help improving your digital skills, these organisations provide free support:

  • Age UK – help with digital skills and staying safe online
  • RNIB – accessible guides for people with sight loss
  • Parkinson’s UK – help using devices and the internet safely

You could also ask a friend, relative or volunteer to help you practise sending emails, browsing websites or using apps. Learning with someone else can help build confidence.

Keeping children and young people safe online

Children and young people use the internet every day. It’s important to help them use it safely and make good choices online. Talk to them about the risks and how to stay protected.

Useful topics to discuss include:

  • cyberbullying
  • inappropriate content
  • sharing personal information
  • talking to strangers online
  • online grooming and radicalisation
  • digital wellbeing and screen time

You can set up parental controls on devices, browsers, games and apps. There are also resources to help:

For younger children, Jessie & Friends provides fun animations and activities for ages 4 to 7.

In Central Bedfordshire, our Schools Liaison Team delivers sessions in schools to help children and parents understand online risks, including cyberbullying and grooming.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you’re worried about something online or think you may have been targeted, act quickly. You can:

  • report scams to your bank or email provider
  • block and delete suspicious messages or contacts
  • ask someone you trust for help and support
  • report suspicious websites on the Get Safe Online website
  • contact the police via 101 or 999 in an emergency
  • report abuse involving children to CEOP

What you can do next

Here are a few things you can try today:

  • visit a website that interests you and explore it
  • set up a secure password for one of your accounts
  • make sure your device and apps are updated
  • try a video call with a friend or family member
  • watch a short guide on how to use email or search online
  • talk to someone about what you’ve learned

Getting online doesn’t have to be difficult or risky. With some support and a few safety tips, you can feel confident and make the most of what the internet offers.