Staying safe online

Here are a range of free resources to help you stay safe while you are online:

• Barclays have produced a series of online games that could help you spot when one of these scams is happening.
• The Get Safe Online organisation have produced a series of short videos explaining some of the risks of going online and how to avoid them.
• The National Cyber Security Centre have produced some simple guidance on cyber security, particularly during coronavirus. Information is also available on how to deal with suspicious emails and messages and how to use social media safely.
• The Money Advice Service have a guide on how to shop online safely and what to watch out for.
• Age UK have a helpful guide to staying safe online including information about common online scams.
• Learn My Way offer an internet safety course.
• BT have put together a range of training courses around internet safety as part of their Skills for Life offer.
• Are you looking for anti-virus software? Check out the Money Saving Expert website, they have some recommended free anti-virus software for you.
• Citizen's Advice have put a guide together for those who are victims of online fraud.
• Greater Manchester Police have put together a range of information, contacts and advice about fraud and cybercrime.

Are you reluctant to register your credit card details while setting up a new device? Try the following guides:

• How to create Apple ID without entering credit card details
• How to buy apps on Google Play store without a credit card

Staying happy and healthy online

The NHS have put together a list of recognised apps and websites to help you manage your health and wellbeing.

The NHS Every Mind Matters website has expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. Including tips to tackle working from home and tips on staying at home. The NHS have also put together a series of 10 minute workouts for those of us who are short on time or too tired to exercise after work.

Trafford Leisure continue to deliver online classes with their virtual group exercise programme, running seven days a week with over 25 different classes to choose from. If you like their Facebook page, they can send you class notifications, so as not to miss out. Contact Trafford Leisure for more information.

Google believes technology should play a helpful role in people's lives and they are committed to helping everyone find that balance. Visit Google’s digital wellbeing pages for guidance on keeping the balance right for you.

Mind’s information hub provides advice on how to support your mental wellbeing during this period. This includes practical advice on coping with staying at home, tips for employers on supporting yourself and your team. Some other useful resources are:

• Tips for everyday living
• Digital technology and social media

The British Heart Foundation have put together a guide on using social media to stay healthy.

The Samaritans have put some advice together for those of us who are worried about our mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. Remember that whatever you're going through, a Samaritan can face it with you. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Guidance for parents, carers or guardians

Find expert advice specifically for parents on your child’s safety online from the following resources:

• The UK Safer Internet Centre is where you can find only safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.
• Be Internet Legends is really informative resource put together by Google. It is all presented through online games, making it accessible for all the family.
• ThinkUKnow has lots of great age specific content on how to protect your children.
• Childnet work directly with children and young people from the ages of 3 to 18, finding out about their real experiences online, and the positive things they are doing as well as sharing safety advice. Useful resources include a parent and carer’s toolkit and understanding digital wellbeing.
• The Keeping Children Safe Online toolkit has been put together by ASCEL and Libraries Connected.
• The NSPCC have advice which varies from setting up parental controls to advice on sexting, online games and video apps, helping you understand the risks, to keep your child safe.
• Be Strong Online contains free resources covering digital issues like cyberbullying, social media, online privacy, selfies, gaming and much more! These resources have been developed to empower young people to be positive online role models and to help their peers navigate the online world safely.