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Overview

Introduction

Bebo mobile enables you to stay connected with friends, capture and share photos anytime you want at low cost. However, keeping in touch with your network of friends via Bebo mobile may change the way that you use Bebo.

It may be tempting to use Bebo to arrange meetings with your friends and to share your views about activities you are involved in. Remember that each one of the friends in your network has a network of friends and so on. Think carefully about whom you connect to, what information you post and who else will be able to view your profile.

You must be 13 years old or older to use Bebo and by signing up to Bebo you agree to Bebo's Terms of Service.

Think about your audience

Bebo provides an option for you to make your profile public or private. When using Bebo mobile we recommend that you have a private profile. If you choose to have a public profile, anyone can view it. However, there are steps you can take to protect your content:

  1. By editing your photo albums you can control who can see individual photo albums and choose whether to allow others to copy photos from individual photo albums. Note: mobile photo albums are private by default.
  2. You can block other members from contacting you or posting to your profile page.

If you choose to have a private profile, please remember that joining any college or school group makes your profile visible to other Beboers within that group. To make your profile COMPLETELY PRIVATE (direct friends only), you must leave any college or school group you have joined.

Auto-login

Only select auto-login (Remember me) if you PIN lock your phone. Otherwise your Bebo account is easily accessible should your phone be lost or stolen.

Real world location

Don't disclose your real world location on Bebo mobile – SMS or call those who need to know. If someone you only know through the Internet suggests a meeting in the real world be cautious; inform an adult; always meet in a public place. Remember that knowing someone on the Internet is not the same as knowing them in the real world.

Respect your Bebo community

By signing up to Bebo you have agreed not to bully or harass other users or to post offensive material. If you do your account could be deleted without warning. Think carefully before you post content on other people's Web space. Do not post content that could be viewed as racist, homophobic, bullying or threatening. Keep our Bebo community safe.

You are NOT anonymous

It is important you understand that you are not anonymous on Bebo mobile. All content you post to Bebo using your phone can be linked to your unique mobile phone number even if your SIM card is changed. The police may become involved in response to reports of abuse.

Reputation

Guard your online reputation by thinking carefully before posting content on Bebo. Protect your friends and family by seeking their permission if they are part of this content. They have reputations too!

The Internet is a very public place. Information you post on Bebo will reflect the kind of person you are, and influence how others perceive you. Remember, posting a comment online, even if it is intended only to be viewed by a limited audience creates a digital record of your views and feelings, which can be copied and posted by others to friends. Think before you post!

Report abuse

Don't be a bystander. If you become aware of potential problems, do not interact - report it to Bebo. Every Bebo mobile profile page has a ‘Report Abuse' link; there is also a ‘Report Abuse' link adjacent to photos (for reporting specific photos). When a Bebo member is reported, Bebo does not disclose the details of the person who reported them.

Seek advice or help if anything makes you feel scared or uncomfortable. Speak to a trusted adult or friend. If you feel threatened or in danger from online behaviour, contact your local law-enforcement immediately.

Block other users

Every Bebo mobile profile page includes a ‘Block' link to enable you to block other users from contacting you or posting to your profile page. Your profile does remain visible to users you have blocked although you can stop them viewing your photos by editing individual photo albums .

Phone theft

Take care when using your phone in public places: don't flash it around; treat it like you would treat your wallet or purse. If someone is prepared to hurt you to get your phone, let them have it. It's easier to replace the phone, rather than you!

Contact Orange immediately if your phone is lost or stolen:

  1. 07973 100 450 - Pay as you go customers
  2. 07973 100 450 - Pay as you go customers

Also, change your Bebo account password (on your computer) by clicking the 'My Account' tab on your 'Home' page - this will stop anybody else accessing your Bebo account from your mobile phone. Report phone theft to the police - don't let thieves get away with it!

Photos

Your mobile photo albums are private by default - visible to your direct friends only. We recommend that you do not change this setting. You can control who sees your photos by editing individual photo albums.

Think before you post - posting inappropriate photos violates Bebo's Terms of Service and could result in your account being deleted without warning and law enforcement becoming involved.

Review comments

Sometimes messages could be posted to your profile page by other Beboers which you might not appreciate. Bebo empowers its users with the ability to review profile comments and white board drawings (others members wish to post) before they become visible on the site.

To activate Bebo's pre-screening tool sign-in to Bebo on your computer - Click the 'My Account' tab on your 'Home' page; under the 'Preferences' section, click the 'Change Preferences' link. Check or un-check the boxes for the two options given, then click the 'Save' button.

Manage Bebo alerts

Bebo mobile is an exciting way to keep in touch with friends. However, please recognise that SMS alerts may not only disturb people around you but also highlight your phone to a potential thief! Be thoughtful to others and consider changing your SMS alerts to silent or vibrate.

It is easy to be distracted by your mobile phone so remember to stay in control and manage your down time. Select to receive silent alerts when out cycling, driving or walking for example.

Learn more about safety

Bebo has developed a set of resources to help educate young people, parents and teachers about the safe and responsible use of Bebo. Click here to view the resources which include ten visually-engaging short videos and animations - designed to encourage young people and parents to view together. There is a link to the resources at the foot of every Bebo page.

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