Social Networking
Social Networking sites like Bebo, MySpace and Facebook connect friends using profiles, comments, blogs, email, instant messaging, chat and photos.
There are a few of things to think about when using social networking sites:
Be careful what information you give out...
Remember that you don’t know who your friend’s friends are… or your friend’s friends’ friends! And you don’t know what they’ll do with your picture or your phone number if you give it out by mistake. Don’t post your phone number or email address on your homepage.
Think about what you post...
It is tempting to share loads of stuff on your profile but remember, the internet is a public space. Test yourself by asking “would I want my teacher/Mum/Dad/stranger on the train to see this?!” If the answer’s no… don’t post it!
Be careful who you agree to accept...
Be careful who you agree to accept as friends. Unfortunately because there are so many young people using these sites, adults with bad intentions sometimes use them to make contact with children too; so you’re safer to only chat to people you know in the real world.
Know where to go for help...
If you feel anyone is being weird with you or your friends; or if someone is bullying you on one of these sites – contact the service provider (like Bebo or Facebook). There is often a Repost Abuse option that you can click on. If they don’t get back to you – you might want to think twice about using the site again.
If it’s really serious – like you think the person contacting you may be an adult who wants to take advantage of you or your mates, report it to the social networking site or the Gardai. Also, remember to tell whoever is at home so they can help you.
Use your Privacy Settings..
Adjust your account settings (sometimes called “Privacy Settings”) so only approved friends can instant message you or leave comments on your profile. This won’t ruin your social life – new people can still send you friend requests and message you, they just won’t be able to pester you. This means that people you don’t want to see your profile can’t!
Only upload pictures that you’d be happy for everyone to see – anything you would not like to be passed round the dinner table should NOT make it onto the web, as you don’t know who could be looking at it or what they might be doing with it.
