Focus on Facebook and Twitter

The importance of staying safe on-line cannot be over emphasised.

This page is dedicated to the correct use on Facebook,Twitter and other social media sites to ensure safety.

Here is a Facebook Page dedicated to promoting safe use.

How private are your social network pages?

Take 5 minutes this weekend to download the attached checklists and update your security settings.

The top tips for staying safe are:

For teenagers

1. Don’t share your password with anyone.

2. Only accept friend requests from people you know.

3. Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your parents, teachers, or employer to see.

4. Be authentic. The real you is better than anything you might pretend to be.

5. Learn about privacy settings, and review them often.

For Parents

1. It can be tough to keep up with technology. Don’t be afraid to ask your kids to explain it to you.

2. If you're not already on Facebook, consider joining. That way you'll understand what it's all about!

3. Create a Facebook group for your family so you will have a private space to share photos and keep in touch.

4. Teach your teens the online safety basics so they can keep their Facebook timeline (and other online accounts) private and safe.

5. Talk about technology safety just like you talk about safety while driving and playing sports.

Suggestions for conversations with your teenage child.

1. Do you feel like you can tell me if you ever have a problem at school or online?

2. Help me understand why Facebook is important to you.

3. Can you help me set up a Facebook timeline?

4. Who are your friends on Facebook?

5. I want to be your friend on Facebook. Would that be OK with you? What would make it OK?