What is Social Media?
Social media is any computer based website which allows communication with other people and allows you to share information, images and even videos. It is a way of keeping in contact with friends and family and are there to be used as a source of fun. BUT you must always remember to keep your personal information safe and secure.
How can I Keep Myself Safe?
These websites have an area where you can set your privacy. It is important to learn all you can about each site and how to apply strict settings to keep your information private.
They also have a minimum age limit (this varies according to which one you are using but is usually 13) and is there for a reason as you could be exposed to inappropriate content. That is seeing or reading things which upset you or makes you feel uncomfortable. The adverts on these websites are age appropriate, so, if you have made yourself look as if you are 25, then the adverts appearing on your page will be for that age group and not suitable for you to see.
You must also never put your personal information in a public post (and think seriously even if it is just for your ‘friends’ to see). You never know if things like your phone number or address will fall into the wrong hands if you broadcast it. This could lead to you receiving nasty messages or prank calls ~ things which others may see as a bit of fun, but in reality for you can have serious consequences.
Some popular Social Networking Sites are:
Facebook ~ Click on the logo to take you to the Facebook privacy page.
Snapchat ~ Click on the logo to take you to the Snapchat privacy page
Instagram ~ Click on the logo to take you to the Instagram privacy page
YouTube ~ Click on the logo to take you to the YouTube privacy page.
Twitter ~ Click on the logo to take you to the Twitter privacy page
If you do not see your favourite Social Media site above, then it is easy to go to a search engine and look up the privacy page for other sites.