Online Safety Working Group 2025–2026

Catfishing

What is catfishing?

Catfishing is when someone pretends to be someone else online. They often do this using a fake profile. For example, someone might say they’re 25, but they’re actually a completely different age. 

Is catfishing illegal?

Catfishing is often illegal, depending on what you've done. Catfishing can involve stealing personal information, which may be a criminal offense. It can also involve committing fraud, which may also be a criminal offense. 

How does catfishing affect you?

It's a really unpleasant experience. Often, someone who's catfishing you will try to gain your trust and, for example, make you fall in love with them. In some cases, they'll try to convince you to send them money. This is really unpleasant. 

How can you prevent catfishing?

1. Be careful about sharing personal information; it's not good if it ends up on the internet. 
2. Check profiles. Look at the profile photos, or search online to see if you can find other photos of the person who sent them. 
3. FaceTime. Call someone on FaceTime—it's safer than just texting.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying, also known as digital bullying, is bullying that takes place on the internet or via cell phone—both at home and at school. Cyberbullying often occurs anonymously, which makes it just as painful as traditional bullying. It’s important to be aware of what it’s like for children who are affected by it. 

For bullies, cyberbullying is often a safer way to bully someone. In public, you’re more likely to get caught, but online, it’s often anonymous. This means that bullies are more likely to resort to cyberbullying. That’s why we all need to stay vigilant about what’s happening online. 

Why is cyberbullying such a big problem?

In online bullying, the bully reaches a larger audience than, for example, on the school playground. Digital files such as photos or videos can be shared more widely and are difficult to remove. And even after the bullying has stopped, offensive messages, comments, photos, or videos can often still be found online. 

Characteristics of cyberbullying

1. Fake accounts

   Creating a fake profile with the intention of bullying someone.

2. Mean messages

   Sending offensive or threatening messages. Sharing embarrassing or hurtful photos or videos online.

3. Exclude

   To intentionally exclude someone from a group chat or act as if that person is no longer part of it. 

Examples of cyberbullying or digital bullying:

• The distribution of visual material such as intimate photos (sexting) or videos of abuse
• Sending threatening emails
• Sending annoying WhatsApp messages or excluding people from WhatsApp groups
• Sending hate tweets or threats
• Swearing in chats

The Consequences of Cyberbullying

The impact of online bullying (cyberbullying) can be profound and have long-lasting effects. Common consequences include:

• Mental health issues: Victims often experience anxiety, depression, loneliness, and anger
• Physical symptoms: Stress can lead to headaches, insomnia, stomach problems, and other stress-related symptoms
• Social isolation: Victims often withdraw from social situations out of fear or shame, and they often have less trust in others. They are often afraid to go online and feel lonely
• Suicidal thoughts: In severe cases, cyberbullying can lead to feelings that may result in suicide

What can you do to combat cyberbullying?

1. Talk about it with someone you trust
2. Block the person and don't respond to their messages
3. Don't retaliate—it often makes things worse.
4. Report inappropriate posts on the website or social media platform you're using
5. Gather evidence: take screenshots of the messages, the profile names, and the accounts of those involved; save email messages and WhatsApp conversations
6. See if you can file a report. Cyberbullying may be a criminal offense in some cases

Who is involved in cyberbullying?

1. Perpetrators

   The perpetrators of cyberbullying are often people the victim knows, such as classmates, coworkers, or friends. Sometimes, however, they remain anonymous, which makes it difficult to hold them accountable.

2. Victims

   Anyone can become a victim of cyberbullying, but children and teenagers are at the greatest risk. 

3. Bystanders

   Bystanders play a crucial role. Their reaction—or lack thereof—can either perpetuate bullying behavior or help put a stop to it.

Social media platforms are a fun way to share experiences and photos with each other. But they can also provide opportunities for cyberbullying. So try to use social media in moderation, and talk to someone if something happens that doesn’t feel right.

Disadvantages of Social Media

• Lack of privacy
• Everyone is always visible
• Information Overload from Social Media
• It's distracting
• Addictive and sometimes exhausting
• It causes “study avoidance behavior”
• You might feel left out if you're not on social media
• Social media paint a different picture of reality

Tips for a Secure Password

• A strong password helps protect your account from hackers
• Choose a different password for each website, app, or system
• Use at least 12 characters (preferably 14 or more) and 4 different types (lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters). The longer the password, the better
• Don't use anything about yourself that could be traced back to you: your child's name, your pet's name, etc. 
• Choose the first letters of a phrase that's easy to remember and add numbers and special characters to it
• Choose a secret phrase, for example: "Because I want to stay safe online"
• A good example of a password would be: Omd@t1kve1l1gw1l1nterNetten=d1tmijnw@chtw00rd!
• Don't leave your passwords visible on a Post-it note, in a notebook, in a file, etc. 
• Do not ask someone else to log in on your behalf by giving them your login credentials.
• Are you worried that you've been hacked? Change your password immediately!
• It's also a good idea to change your passwords regularly.

It's not always easy to remember a lot of passwords. There are several apps available that are safe to use for this purpose. 

Set up multi-step sign-in

With multi-step authentication (2FA or MFA), you add an extra layer of security to your login process. For example, you might first enter a PIN and then use your fingerprint to log in. Or, you might first enter a password, followed by a numeric code that you receive on another device. Many important systems support this login method, which makes it much harder for hackers to break in.

Aftroggel Messages

• Phishing emails are also known as phishing messages
• In a phishing scam, you're asked for personal information and whether you can respond as soon as possible
• Phishing often occurs via email; for example, you might receive a link that directs you to a fake website
• You may also encounter phishing attempts in the form of a QR code or a fake phone call
• URL spoofing is used all the time; this involves imitating, for example, a bank's URL
• If the message begins with “Dear Ms./Mr.,” be on your guard

Aftroggelen is a total scam. You have to pay to read your messages or pay to view a fake profile. 

Watch for the following signs:

• Pressure and urgency: It is often claimed that you must act immediately, or else there will be negative consequences
• Personal information: You are asked to provide personal or financial information via a link
• Suspicious links or senders: The sender is unknown, or the phone number does not match the number of the organization being impersonated. Criminals can forge phone numbers using “spoofing.” 
• Spelling or grammar errors: watch for sloppy language or unusual phrasing
• Threats or blackmail: You are forced to take action through threats or blackmail. 
• References to shame or damage to one's reputation: especially in cases of sexual extortion, perpetrators exploit shame and the fear of damage to one's reputation. 

What can be done about spam messages?

• DO NOT RESPOND: Immediately cut off all contact and do not reply to any messages.
• Don't click on anything: don't click on links, don't open attachments, and don't scan QR codes in suspicious messages.
• Ask for help: If you're not sure, always ask someone you trust for help, such as a family member. 

Where can you go for help?

• Fraud Help Desk: For reporting scams and getting expert advice.
• Police: You must file a police report to track down a thief. 
• Helpline: For help and advice regarding extortion.