Connecting with others online can be great as long as you look out for the dangers. These are the ways in which you can be safe online.
- Do not post anything you would not want to see on the news or on the front page of a newspaper. This means information like your phone number, your address, or where you go to school. Never tell people when you’re not home or when you are going on vacation. This is the exact kind of information thieves can use to break into your home or even steal your identity.
- Your photos and comments. These are like a track record of your reputation. Ask yourself before posting the picture or writing the comment “Is this really how I want people to view me?” Not just now but in the future. A wise king said that “A good reputation is better than silver and gold“. Posting on social media is like writing in permanent ink.
- Who are my friends on Social media? Who are you sharing your online life with? Some people have hundreds of friends online. Others have thousands. Some may think the more friends they have, the better. That is not the best viewpoint to live by. When you connect with your friends online you are indirectly connecting with their friends and their friends friends. This opens you up to being exposed to other persons viewpoints and morals that may be different from yours. And if you are a child then your parents or guardians may not want you exposed to certain behaviors. The safest choice as online friends are the ones you know offline already.
- Be aware of scams and predators. Another danger that is online is when people hide who they are and what their motives are. These people pretend to be something they are not. They may appear to be friendly but are truly dangerous and can harm you or your loved ones.
- Time. Set limits to how much time you spend online. Do not let your online life get in the way of your personal life.
