Points to Ponder
Don't accept friend requests from strangers: Make sure that you set your profile to private so that people you don't know can't find you online. Always tell a trusted adult if a stranger or somebody you don't know sends you a message or a friend request.
Don't accept friend requests from strangers: Make sure that you set your profile to private so that people you don't know can't find you online. Always tell a trusted adult if a stranger or somebody you don't know sends you a message or a friend request.
Never share your personal information with people you don't know: Keep your personal information personal. Sometimes people online aren't always who they say they are and might ask you to share things that you don't feel comfortable sharing
Never share your personal information with people you don't know: Keep your personal information personal. Sometimes people online aren't always who they say they are and might ask you to share things that you don't feel comfortable sharing
Don't share embarrassing photos or videos of others online: This could really upset them and get you into a lot of trouble. Always think twice before posting anything on social media and treat people as you would in real life.
Don't share embarrassing photos or videos of others online: This could really upset them and get you into a lot of trouble. Always think twice before posting anything on social media and treat people as you would in real life.
Never send naked pictures of yourself to others: This is illegal if you are under 18 and you cold get into trouble with the police. If you are being pressured by someone, always say no and tell a trusted adult. Even if you think it is innocent fun, the photo could be shared with other people and you won't be able to control who else sees it.
Never send naked pictures of yourself to others: This is illegal if you are under 18 and you cold get into trouble with the police. If you are being pressured by someone, always say no and tell a trusted adult. Even if you think it is innocent fun, the photo could be shared with other people and you won't be able to control who else sees it.
Create a positive online reputation: Always be kind and polite when posting comments on social media and only upload pictures and videos of things you are proud of. This forms part of your digital footprint. Everything you do online can be tracked and monitored and could affect what people think of you in real-life, if its negative.
Create a positive online reputation: Always be kind and polite when posting comments on social media and only upload pictures and videos of things you are proud of. This forms part of your digital footprint. Everything you do online can be tracked and monitored and could affect what people think of you in real-life, if its negative.
Limit your screen time: Social media can be addictive and it is easy to keep checking newsfeeds or your notifications every 5 minutes which can affect your behavior and stop you from doing other things. Remember to only use your phone at certain times of the day, turn notifications off at bedtime and go out and have as much fun as possible. This will keep you fit and healthy and make you appreciate theres more to life than just whats on social media.
Limit your screen time: Social media can be addictive and it is easy to keep checking newsfeeds or your notifications every 5 minutes which can affect your behavior and stop you from doing other things. Remember to only use your phone at certain times of the day, turn notifications off at bedtime and go out and have as much fun as possible. This will keep you fit and healthy and make you appreciate theres more to life than just whats on social media.
Block online bullies: Sometimes people might say nasty things to you online or post offensive comments on your pictures or videos. If this happens, always tell a trusted adult who will help you block them from your profile and support you in taking further action.
Block online bullies: Sometimes people might say nasty things to you online or post offensive comments on your pictures or videos. If this happens, always tell a trusted adult who will help you block them from your profile and support you in taking further action.
Report inappropriate content: If you see something on social media that you don't like, offends you or upsets you, you should always report it to a trusted adult. You should also report it to the social media app who will be able to remove the content if it is against their user policy and can block the person who posted it.
Report inappropriate content: If you see something on social media that you don't like, offends you or upsets you, you should always report it to a trusted adult. You should also report it to the social media app who will be able to remove the content if it is against their user policy and can block the person who posted it.
Only use apps which you are old enough to use: Before downloading anything on social media app, always check the age-rating. If you need help, ask your parent or caregiver to make sure that the app is safe for you to use and never download anything which you are too young for, as it may contain content that isn't safe for you to see.
Only use apps which you are old enough to use: Before downloading anything on social media app, always check the age-rating. If you need help, ask your parent or caregiver to make sure that the app is safe for you to use and never download anything which you are too young for, as it may contain content that isn't safe for you to see.
Always secure all your social media profiles with a password: This will help to keep your private information safe and won't allow others to access your profiles without your permission. Make sure your passwords are memorable and personal to you but something which other people can't guess and always share them with your parents just in case you forget them.
Always secure all your social media profiles with a password: This will help to keep your private information safe and won't allow others to access your profiles without your permission. Make sure your passwords are memorable and personal to you but something which other people can't guess and always share them with your parents just in case you forget them.
Ask parents to set-up 'parental controls' for social media: When you download a social media app, you should always ask a trusted adult to help you set it up for the first time. This will help you control who sees what you post, who can contact you and make sure you are able to enjoy using the app safely and securely.
Ask parents to set-up 'parental controls' for social media: When you download a social media app, you should always ask a trusted adult to help you set it up for the first time. This will help you control who sees what you post, who can contact you and make sure you are able to enjoy using the app safely and securely.
Always talk to your trusted adult if social media is making you unhappy: Sometimes, social media can make us feel bad about ourselves or sad that we aren't the same as someone else or doing the same things as someone else. Remember, if you ever feel this way, it's really important to talk to your trusted adult(s) like your parents, carers, other adult family members or a teacher, all of whom will be able to support you and discuss your feelings with you to help make you feel better.
Always talk to your trusted adult if social media is making you unhappy: Sometimes, social media can make us feel bad about ourselves or sad that we aren't the same as someone else or doing the same things as someone else. Remember, if you ever feel this way, it's really important to talk to your trusted adult(s) like your parents, carers, other adult family members or a teacher, all of whom will be able to support you and discuss your feelings with you to help make you feel better.
Information cited from multiple sources including: cdc.gov, hopkinsmedicine.org. etr.org, hhs.gov, who.int, healthline.com, niaaa.nih.gov, nationalonlinesafety.com