5. First steps and beyond

As with the first time you walk into a new building, you might want to just look around to begin with.

You might want to look at how the site is organised or have a look at some posts and replies. Groups often have similar features but there may be some differences so take your time to get to know the group you are interested in.

Most groups will have guidelines to help you know any expectations of the group. Take time to read them as they are designed to help everyone have a safe and worthwhile online experience. Groups often have a moderator (or administrator) who will also oversee the activity in the group and help to make sure everyone behaves properly and messages adhere to any rules.

There are lots of ways of benefiting from a group. Some people will get what they need by just looking around, reading what people post and their replies.

For others, it might be more beneficial to post a message in order to feel part of the community.

It is okay to be a little nervous to start with. However, remember it is up to you what you want to do online.

As with the first time you walk into a new building you might want to just   around to begin with.

You might want to look at how the site is   or have a look at some posts and replies. Groups often have similar   but there may be some differences so take your time to get to know the group you are interested in.

Most groups will have   to help you know any expectations of the group. Take time to read them as they are designed to help everyone have a   and worthwhile online experience. Groups often have a moderator (or administrator) who will also   the activity in the group and help to make sure everyone behaves properly and messages   to any rules.

There are lots of ways of   from a group. Some people will get what they need by just looking around, reading what people post and their replies.

For others, it might be more beneficial to post a message in order to feel part of the  .

It is okay to be a little   to start with. However, remember it is up to you what you want to do online.

As with the first time you walk into a new building you might want to just look around to begin with.

You might want to look at how the site is organised or have a look at some posts and replies. Groups often have similar features but there may be some differences so take your time to get to know the group you are interested in.

Most groups will have guidelines to help you know any expectations of the group. Take time to read them as they are designed to help everyone have a safe and worthwhile online experience. Groups often have a moderator (or administrator) who will also oversee the activity in the group and help to make sure everyone behaves properly and messages adhere to any rules.

There are lots of ways of benefiting from a group. Some people will get what they need by just looking around, reading what people post and their replies.

For others, it might be more beneficial to post a message in order to feel part of the community.

It is okay to be a little nervous to start with. However, remember it is up to you what you want to do online.