Harmful Digital Messages

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You’ve learnt about Phishing and how it is a type of harmful digital message, but there are other forms of harmful digital messages you need to be aware of. Harmful digital communication can include things like cyberbullying, mean comments, unwanted pictures, or threats that are intended to hurt your feelings or make you uncomfortable.

It's like if someone used unkind words or bullied you in person. This can make you feel sad or upset. It's important to remember that you have the right to be treated kindly and with respect, both online and offline.

If someone sends you messages that hurt your feelings or make you uncomfortable, you should tell a grown-up you trust. They can help you deal with it and make sure you stay safe and happy.

What Are Harmful Digital Messages?

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Harmful digital messages, both from hackers and online bullies, can show up in various online places where people communicate.

On social media platforms people can post comments, messages, or even send direct messages. Sometimes, these messages can be mean, hurtful, or upsetting.

Like we talked about earlier, having your Privacy settings updated can make it hard for strangers to find you, but if someone has found you online and sends you harmful messages, you can block them online. This also works for any online chat applications you may use.

In multiplayer online games, players can interact with each other through chat or voice chat. Sometimes, players might use this to say unpleasant things or be rude to others. While you can block these players from contacting you, it is also possible to mute voice chats all together.

While you may not always be able to control who initially messages you, remember that you’re in control of who can keep contacting you. If someone is being mean online, blocking, muting, and talking to a grown-up, can make the harmful messages stop.

Blocking Bullies & Baddies

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Let’s think about the differences between chatting in the real world and talking online. Both are cool, but they're a bit like two different flavours of ice cream.

In the real world, when you're hanging out with friends and going on adventures, you get to see their smiles and hear their laughter up close. You can play games together, share toys, and have fun face-to-face. These moments create memories that can make your heart warm.

Talking online can be great too! You can talk to friends who might be far away and that you don’t get to see very often. But sometimes, it's a bit like talking through a robot – you might not get to experience the same warm feelings as when you're with them in person.

Connecting with people in the real world can be a great way to recharge. Especially if you have had to protect yourself from harmful digital messages from people. Just remember, it’s important to balance your time between these two worlds.