What are social networking sites?
Social networking sites (like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat) are online ‘communities’ of internet users with similar interests. Members of the community create an online ‘profile’ which provides other users with varying amounts of personal information.
Once users have joined the network, they can communicate with each other and share things like music, photos and films. The sites are a fun way for you to stay connected with your friends, family and peers.
What are the dangers?
Social networking sites are seen as being very ‘cool’ by children and you may be pressured by your friends into joining them. The sites don’t actually present any threats that don’t already exist elsewhere online. The danger is that the threats exist in a new online environment you may not be familiar with.
As with most potential online dangers, the problems can start if you don’t look after your personal information properly. The risks you need to be aware of are:
Registering and choosing safe settings
If you are about to join a networking site, there are things you can do to improve the security before you even start using it.
Privacy settings
Select the strongest privacy setting available when you create your account. This will ensure that your personal information is only seen by people you want to share it with. However, be aware that some sites are totally open to the public.
Safety tools
Learn about and make sure you know about the safety tools available to you on the service you're using. This might include a block function to stop unwanted contact or the option of pre-approving comments posted onto your profile before they are made public.
Profile/screen name
Although you may be able to limit who has access to your profile, your profile/screen name shouldn't include your real name.
Staying safe while using social networking sites
The following guidelines will help make sure you are safe while you are members of social networking sites:
If you suspect someone may be grooming you on a social networking site, or you are being stalked or harassed, you should contact the local police or Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) immediately.
If you require any information in an alternative format, please contact the Academy on 01460 260100