swigg-grl guide to staying safe online

Life WITHOUT the Internet? What’s a girl to do?  It may be hard to imagine but the web does have a serious down side. Cyberbullying and online predators? Losing out on a cool job because of your Facebook page? Watching your revealing photos go viral? Definitely not cool! Take control with a few basic online safety precautions:

  • Don’t share personal information. That includes the obvious stuff (last name, phone numbers, address, and your date of birth) and other stuff, like identifying info in photos (license plates, school colours).
  • Set limits: change the settings on your account so that only people you actually know have access.
  • Sharing photos? Do the “publicity test” first: how would you feel if it was posted life-size in the school corridor? Or your relatives found them?
  • Anything you “say” in an email, be prepared to say it in person.
  • Think twice before arranging to meet someone you’ve met online. If you do, make sure it’s in a busy coffee shop and always take someone with you. And duh, tell your parents first.
  • Don’t believe everything you read, and don’t assume that someone is who they say they are.
  • Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
  • Remember: the internet is a PUBLIC place – including your Facebook page. Even if you’re in the privacy and safety of your own room, act like you’re on a busy street in town. Once you post something or hit Send, you can’t get it back!

Learn more:

Go back - to dos