Staying safe online

Find advice and support to help you, your family or business stay safe online.

2 Online safety advice

Many people have concerns about using the internet, however, there are practical steps you can take to use it safely.

Below are resources which offer advice on how to remain safe while using the internet:

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Children

Almost all of us are likely to be spending more time online at the moment, including children. 

The Government has produced some guidance for parent and carers to keep children safe online. This outlines resources to help keep children safe from different risks online and where to go to receive support and advice.

3 Training events

Safe Against Scams

Due to the success of previous sessions, West Sussex Community Safety and Wellbeing Team, alongside Trading Standards, are running more Safe Against Scams webinars. Please share the information about these sessions with your friends and family so we can prevent as many people as possible from becoming a victim of fraud.

The Library Digital Support team can provide support with accessing the webinars from your own device or you can view them on any of the library computers. Please phone 033 022 23455 for any support required.

More than ever before, we have been relying on technology to enable us to work, learn and connect with each other. Inevitably, criminals have exploited this and used our increased digital lives to their advantage.

The pandemic has seen a rise in scams, including phone, courier and romance fraud, which have all become an increased concern in West Sussex. Not only is there the financial impact on victims but the emotional impact can be even more significant.

Learn more about sextortion and how to stay safe online. Attend a free short webinar hosted by Get Safe Online in partnership with WSCC.

The webinars are on the following dates:

4 Report online crime

If you or your business become a victim of cybercrime you can report it to Action Fraud.

If you suspect that a child or young person has been, or is being, groomed or exploited this must be shared with one of the agencies below:

  • Police: 101 or in an emergency 999
  • West Sussex Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): 01403 229900
  • NSPCC Online Safety helpline: 08088 005002

5 Digital Ambassadors

Would you like advice and support about how to be safe online? Are you interested in learning more about digital safety and current online scams? The Get Safe Online West Sussex Digital Ambassadors can help!

There are a range of ways to support digital safety needs. Our Digital Ambassadors offer:

  • 1-2-1 bookable sessions at your local library
  • drop in events at your local library
  • presentations and informal chats at community groups
  • community events.

If you would like some free digital safety support from a friendly and patient volunteer, or you are interested in becoming a Digital Ambassador and help prevent people becoming a victim of online crime, please contact us via email: DigitalAmbassadors@westsussex.gov.uk.

Last updated:
23 May 2023
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