Video Summary - Being Safe Online

Summary of Key Wellness / Safety Strategies (Self-care + Cyber-safety)

Don’t meet or trust strangers from the internet
- Treat online acquaintances as potentially unsafe until verified.
- Avoid making plans (e.g., going to movies) that involve meeting unknown people.
Use the “instinct check”
- If something feels uncomfortable or unsafe, listen to your instincts instead of second-guessing.
Protect privacy—never share private photos
- Do not send underwear/private images to anyone, even if they seem friendly.
- Once you share it, you lose control of where it goes and can’t fully take it back.
Reach out early for support (don’t stay silent)
- If you’re being cyberbullied or harassed, tell a trusted adult (e.g., an English teacher).
- Use provided resources/organizations that support young people facing cyberbullying.
Report and block
- Report the incident (e.g., in the story, to police via the teacher’s guidance).
- Block harassers to stop further contact.
- Follow through until harmful content is removed (noting the original post was taken down shortly after).
Practice safe navigation rather than abandoning the internet
- The internet can be important for school and meaningful connection.
- The goal is safe use, not total avoidance:
  - explore identity
  - share art/writing
  - have constructive conversations
  - rely on trusted people if trouble happens