How to Stay Safe Online: Protecting Our Community from Digital Harms

As a member of Girlguiding, it's essential that we're aware of the potential risks and dangers that exist online. In this article, we'll explore some of the most common types of digital harms that we need to be vigilant about, and what we can do to stay safe.

Firstly, it's crucial that we recognize the harmful behaviors that can occur online. These include promotion of self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders; online harassment; bullying; misinformation; impersonation; hoaxes; harmful online challenges; hacking; disinformation; discrimination and abuse on protected characteristics; and cyberstalking.

These digital harms can manifest in various ways, such as hostile, degrading, or humiliating content on social media. They can also take the form of unwanted contact intended to violate someone's dignity, or offline actions that are linked to online activities.

At Girlguiding, we're committed to safeguarding everyone from these digital harms. Our policy is closely related to our Safeguarding and Managing Information policies, and we follow the same principles for both offline and online activities. This includes individuals who use our digital services and social media channels.

As a community, we must work together to stay safe online. We expect our volunteers and staff to adhere to this policy and its procedure, which outlines our approach to staying safe online. It's essential that we're all aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them.

So, what can you do to stay safe online? Firstly, be mindful of your online activities and ensure that you're not promoting or participating in harmful behaviors. Be cautious when sharing personal information or engaging with strangers online.

Secondly, report any concerns you may have about digital harms to the appropriate authorities. We encourage our community members to speak up if they witness or experience anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe online.

Lastly, remember that staying safe online is a collective responsibility. By being aware of the potential risks and taking steps to mitigate them, we can create a safer and more positive online environment for everyone in Girlguiding.

In conclusion, digital safeguarding is crucial for protecting our community from online harms. By understanding the types of digital harms that exist and taking steps to stay safe online, we can ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for all Girlguiding members.

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