For teens, social media opens up a world of connection, creativity and self-expression. But it also presents risks related to oversharing personal information, interacting with strangers and online bullying. As a teen using social platforms, here are some important precautions you can take to stay safe and protect your privacy:
Don’t Overshare Personal Details
- Avoid sharing your full name, address, phone number, school name and other details that reveal your identity or location.
- Don’t post photos that show your home, school or specific places you frequent.
- Limit details about activities, schedules and routines that strangers could exploit.
- Set stricter privacy settings to limit who can view your profile and posts. Review these settings regularly.
Be Cautious Interacting with Strangers
- Never meet up in person with someone you’ve only communicated with online.
- Be wary of people who ask you for personal information very quickly.
- If you suspect someone has harmful intentions, block and report them immediately.
- Remember that not everyone online is who they claim to be.
- Avoid sharing private information or sending photos to people you don’t know well.
Create Strong Passwords
- Use a unique password for each account that combines a mix of letters, numbers and symbols.
- Do not share passwords with anyone, including friends and app companies.
- Set up two-factor authentication when available as an extra security layer.
- Change passwords at least every 6 months and when needed.
Learn to Spot Scams
- Never share personal information in response to unsolicited messages.
- Be wary of anyone claiming to represent a company or organization online.
- Do not download attachments or click links within suspicious emails or messages.
Report Inappropriate Content
- If you experience harassment or see offensive content, report it immediately to the platform.
- Save evidence of threats, hate speech or inappropriate messages when possible.
- Tell a trusted adult about any concerning interactions so they can help keep you safe.
In summary, practicing digital safety and privacy smarts as a teen requires caution, thoughtfulness and awareness of potential threats. But with intentional precautions and guidance from responsible adults, you can continue to reap the many benefits of social media while mitigating risks and protecting your emotional wellbeing.
