Do you think before you post?
It’s called SOCIAL media for a reason.
Social Media is an extension of our face-to-face social life, and you shouldn’t behave any differently online than you would offline.
YOU might find that photograph of your friend really funny and want to share it online, but would THEY be embarassed by it?
Ask for their permission before you post it.
REMEMBER: Nothing you say online is 100% private, people can screen-record and share anything you post. Don’t post or share ANYTHING, even in private conversations, that you wouldn’t feel comfortable with your friends, family, classmates, teachers and even future employers seeing.
Once it goes online, it can stay online so be 100% certain before you share.
Always THINK before you POST!
Is it TRUE?
NEVER share your personal information with strangers. This includes things like your usernames on other apps and games, your full name, e-mail address, home address, phone number and your school name. Also, make sure people can’t identify any of this information from your photos, videos or anything else you share online.
Is it HELPFUL?
If you make friends online; on an app or a game, be careful as they may not be who they say they are. If you want to meet up with them, only do so if your parent or carer says so and bring them along with you. Online friends are still strangers, no matter how long you’ve been talking to them for.
Is it INSIGHTFUL?
BE AWARE – There are scammers online too! Accepting and opening messages, e-mails or files from strangers can lead to problems; computer viruses or nasty messages.
Is it NECESSARY?
Question the reliability of what you see online. Websites may be fake, people may not be who they say they are and information may not necessarily be true. #FakeNews
Is it KIND?
If you see something that isn’t right; it could be strange behaviour, an image that upsets you or evidence that someone is being bullied; TELL SOMEONE! This could a parent, carer or even an adult you trust.