It's important to know how to stay safe when you're using the internet. You should never give out any personal information when you're online, no matter who you think you're talking to.

There are lots of internet sites around that allow you to talk to other people on the web. Chat rooms give you the chance to have a conversation with other people and get instant replies. Online message boards and forums let you post questions or comments and ask other users to give their opinion in their own time.

It can be a great way to chat to other people who share your interests, but you should always be careful not to pass on any of your personal details. You should always keep in mind that internet users can pretend to be anyone they like. They can lie about their age, their interests and whether they're male or female. No matter how long you've been chatting, remember that they're still strangers; you don't really know them at all.

In this section, you'll find pages about keeping yourself safe on social networking sites and in chat rooms, and how to protect yourself and your computer against online threats.

In addition to providing help and advice on cyberbullying, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) is dedicated to eradicating the sexual abuse of children. Visit their ThinkuKnow website to find more information for young people about staying safe online.

If you're concerned about something that may have happened online, talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher or youth worker, or visit the CEOP advice and help centre.