A campaign to help parents guide their children to keep their wits about themselves while browsing the internet has gotten underway.

The 20-week 'Think before you click' campaign urges young people to steer clear of cyberbullying and report it when they see it, as well as helps inform young internet users that not everyone they speak to online is necessarily who they claim to be.  

Other campaign messages include: 

• Be aware that what is uploaded remains in the public domain forever and may be abused to harm you or others

• Your digital footprint also determines your public profile, based on information available on the internet

• Say ‘no’ when asked to carry out something on the internet which you are not comfortable with

• Do not feel bad or intimidated to stop a chat thread or refuse a friend request from someone unknown

• If you become a victim of cyber abuse, don't retaliate. Stop communicating with the person, keep a record of all the abusive messages or emails and speak to authorities

• If you need to talk to someone about online safety you can call the Helpline 179, send an email to 179.appogg@gov.mt, or visit www.besmartonline.org.mt

The campaign is being run by Magic Malta in collaboration with The Office of Commissioner for Children and the BeSmartOnline! project, managed by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA). 

MSV Life is also supporting the campaign, with CEO David Curmi saying "while we embrace every development in technology, we are also aware that the digital world and social media pose risks, particularly to those who are most vulnerable, like children."

For more information about the campaign and its content, log on wwww.thinkbeforeyouclick.eu