Social networking is a medium or an online platform which people use to build social networks or social relationship with other people who share similar interests, activities, backgrounds or real-life connections.
What to keep in mind while using social media?
Your social profile is an extension of yourself, it is a image you build of yourself for people across platforms.
Whatever you post online is permanent (this includes texting!). Private is not always private. The photo you post online is not owned by them anymore. The rights of the photo gets transferred to the social channel once it is uploaded.
Every choice you make leaves a mark on you as a person, and gives a chance to others to assess your character. So, it necessary to be Be cautious, Be sensible. Always try to be kind, not popular.
Social media should supplement your relationships, not replace them.
What is not safe for children online?
Following information is not safe to share online:
- Sharing personal information online- Personal information includes full name, date of birth, home address, school address, email, parent’s details, etc.,
- Posting pictures of yourself and others online
- Talking with strangers online and offline
- Sharing location online to strangers
Potential risks of social media include:
- Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content (e.g., sex, drugs, violence, etc.)
- Exposure to dangerous people
- Cyber bullying, a risk factor for depression and suicide
- Oversharing personal information
- Exposure to excessive advertisements
- Privacy concerns including the collection of data about teen users
- Identity theft or being hacked
- Interference with sleep, exercise, homework, or family activities
