Your "Digital Footprint"
The internet is a public place. You never know who might see what you are doing, so think carefully about what you post. Before you post a comment, image or video, think about its content. What may be funny to you and your friends might be upsetting or offensive to other. While you can delete photos, post, text messages and statuses they may still be visible somewhere … online content lasts forever!
Social Media and You
Did you know that you need to be at least 13 years old to create a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat account? You also must be 16 years old for a WhatsApp account and 18 years old to create a YouTube account.
Top Tips for Keeping Safe
1) Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number.
2) Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.
3) Keep your privacy settings as high as possible
4) Never give out your passwords.
5) Don’t befriend people you don’t know
6) Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Speak to your parent or carer about people suggesting you do.
7) Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are
8) Think carefully about what you say before you post something online.
9) Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude.
10) If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to and tell a trusted adult immediately.