Online Safety
01/
Check your privacy settings
For most social media accounts, the default privacy settings will give your posts the most public exposure. Not changing this privacy setting means that people you don’t even know may follow you or view your post, which is dangerous because you could be exposing sensitive information without realizing it. Even if you think the things you post are safe, that may not be the case. Something as simple as an identifying background in one of your photos could make you more susceptible to hackers.
02/
Be cautious of friend requests
It might be great to meet new people online, but isn’t there something fishy when a complete stranger sends you a friend request? Try to only accept people that you know in the real world. Better safe than sorry! Friend requests can sometimes be spam bots, meaning that your account would spam your friends. Fake profiles are also often created for cyberbullying, so make sure to check the friend requester's profile before accepting. If anything looks suspicious, don't accept!
03/
Think before you post!
Social media safety directly corresponds to the personal information you allow others to see. Try to limit your contact information in your profile or posts. Also, make sure you don't display your phone number or address. If you want to share it with someone, use an individual chat to do it. We also need to think about what we post in general. Make sure that the information you share is true and appropriate. Consider if the post would offend anyone or exclude anyone. If the answer is yes, maybe you shouldn't post it!
04/
More tips...
Avoid using location services. They might seem cool, but when exposed it makes it so easy for online predators to track you down. If you ever meet someone new online, do not agree to meet them offline. Lastly, if somebody sends or requests provocative photos, refuse and tell a trustworthy adult.
