How does the law affect you online?
The internet and the ‘online’ world is where many young people connect with friends, discover and learn.
It can be overwhelming, and in some cases can provide others with an opportunity to harm you. You need to understand what your rights are to stay safe.
Your rights to privacy, to be able to say what you think, and to be protected from harm as a child are balanced with the rights of other people. You need to make sure that you don’t harm anyone else in the way you behave online.
Your Rights
The internet offers huge opportunities – knowing what your rights mean can help you stay safe
You should be in control of the information that you do share online and it’s up to you to decide what information you share when you’re online.
Your freedom to use the internet and post and share things shouldn’t stop other people enjoying their rights
Last updated: June 2018
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