Fake News:

ALL NEWS ISN’T ALWAYS GOOD NEWS. We need to be mindful that as young people spend much more time online, they will come across many types of news to include, fake, real, biased, exaggerated and AI generated impersonation. They are then only a few clicks away to exploring more and vulnerable to being dragged into things. Factors such as being easily impressionable young people especially at risk.

The internet can be a great place to share information and socialise, but it can put you at risk.

Services to support you

There are several services that can offer advice about online risks:

Concerned about something online?

If you’ve got a concern, either:

• tell your parent, carer or another adult
• contact a social media site, if something on social media concerns you
• talk to the Safer Internet Helpline
•  

If someone has acted in an inappropriate way with you, or to someone you know, report it on the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) website.

Report it on the CEOP website

Parents and carers

Find out more about the internet, how you can keep your child safe online or support them if they are in trouble online:

For more support, call the Safer Internet Helpline.

Bullying and peer pressure

Find out what you can do if you are being bullied and who can help you stop it happening again:

Find out how the Safe Schools and Community Team (SSCT) can help.

Road safety advice

See our Travel Dorset pages and make yourself aware of the risks when it comes to road safety and find useful advice and information, whether you’re a pedestrian, driver or cyclist.

ARC Dorset

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (The Shores) in Dorset is here to support you. We help you deal with, and recover from, the emotional and physical side effects of the assault and can support you to report the incident to the police, but only if this is what you want to do.

The law and victims of crime

Find out about young people and the law and get advice if you’re the victim of crime with these links:

Homelessness and housing

Homelessness and housing advice for young people, including runaways support.

Health and relationships

Information about keeping healthy and safe, including sexual health advice and where to find support if you need help.

Young people’s rights

Know your rights as a young person and help make decisions that may help other young people.

Dorset Youth Offending Team

Dorset Youth Offending Team (YOT) provide services from prevention and youth justice to help stop
young people offending.