Advice

Chances are, nothing scary is going to happen to you. But as the saying goes - better safe than sorry! Check out a list of top tips for keeping yourself safe at home, out and about and online...

Don't have nightmares

?...at home alone

• Check all the windows are secure.
• Lock the door from the inside.
• If someone knocks on the door, check who it is. If you don't know them well, don't let them in.
• If you have a back door, lock it before you go to the front door.
• Don't tell any caller, including phone callers, that you're alone. Tell them your mum/dad/enormous wrestling-champion big brother is asleep or in the bath.
• If the gas man or someone similar calls, tell him/her it's not a good time and to come back later.

?...out and about

• Don't go down dark alleys or anywhere you don't know.
• Keep an eye on your drink. Even soft drinks can be spiked.
• Trust your feelings. If you feel freaked out, change your route or go somewhere you feel safe.
• Look confident.
• Set your phone to vibrate or silent so you're not a target to phone-thieves.
• Don't walk while you talk or text so you know what's going on around you.
• Before getting a lift, text the car reg to a friend or your parents.
• Before you go out, make sure your phone is charged and in credit.

?...online

• If you have a Bebo/MySpace/Facebook account, adjust your account settings so only approved friends can instant message you or see your personal details.
• When gaming, use a made-up name and don't be tricked into giving away any personal details.
• Don't have anyone on your IM contact list who you don't know in the real world.
• Learn how to keep personal info, like bank details, secure online.
• Treating anything any stranger says in chatrooms and forums with suspicion. Sexy 16-year-old boy asking when you lost your virginity = pervy old git sometimes. It's not worth the risk.