It is easy to remain anonymous on the web and this can encourage some people to make up things about themselves, even passing off someone else's face as their own.

Sometimes people will give a false impression of themselves, either by exaggerating the truth or lying. A lot of the time you will instinctively know what another person is saying is odd or not quite right. This is your instinct, which acts as a self-defence, telling you something is wrong. It is important to trust these instincts and let your parent or carer know when you think something is wrong.

This instinct works best when you can see or hear a person, but obviously when talking to someone on the web it is not possible to do this so it is important to be even more alert.

The Chat Safe video shows how easy it is to be lulled into a false sense of security with someone you meet in a chatroom. But the following six points should help you to prevent this happening.

The six tips which will help you become web-wise include:

• Don't give out personal details, photographs, or any other information that could be used to identify you, such as information about your family, where you live or the school you go to.
• Don't take other people at face value - they may not be
  what they seem.
• Never arrange to meet someone you've only ever previously met on the Internet without first telling your parents, getting their permission and taking a responsible adult with you. The first meeting should always be in a public place.
• Always stay in public areas of chat and where there are other people around.
• Don't open an attachment or download a file unless you know and trust the person who has sent it.
• Never respond directly to anything you find disturbing - save or print it, log off and tell an adult.

Frequently asked questions

As long as you use common sense and use the internet safely you should not be at risk. Remember, don't give out any information that can identify you and don't believe everything you read .

The people who abuse chatrooms can be quite convincing, tricking adults as well as teenagers. Without seeing a person we can never be sure they are what they say they are. This is why you should never arrange to meet someone you have chatted to on the internet without telling your parents, getting their permission and taking a responsible adult with you. Even then, your first meeting should always be in a public place.

Never respond directly to anything like this. Save or print it, log off and tell an adult.

This is very difficult to judge, especially as you cannot see the person. This is why it is better to be cautious and not give too much away about yourself.

Think about it, if a perfect stranger came up to you in the street and started chatting to you, would you tell them where you live, which school you go to or where you hang out with your friends?

Where can I find out more about Chat Safe?

For more information contact. Remember though, if it is an emergency dial 999.