Facebook and MSN are fun but, unfortunately, many people don't think really think about the consequences of their behaviour online. The internet is a public space. Some of the things that I am seeing posted online are not only unROARS but can have serious consequences for students later on in life. Please read these ten tips now, and make any changes so that you can safely enjoy the internet.
1. Google yourself. What comes up, can you see pictures or your full name? Remember any person with internet access can see this same information, including potential employers.
2. Immediately, change your profile's privacy settings. Change your search settings as well. You may want to consider making your photos and status reports available to only your closest friends.
3. Remove any Facebook friends that you don’t really know. If you have never met the person in real life, you should not have them as a friend!
4. Don’t participate in Facebook Applications like: bathroom wall, honesty box, or compare people, and remove them from your profile.
5. The internet is a public place.
6. Do not forward emails that were sent to you in confidence--it's two-faced.
7. Do not update your status, write notes, or send emails when you're feeling emotional, wait until you cool down---maybe a face to face conversation would be better?
8. If you are posting a picture, think about how you'll feel when someone sees the picture in 5 years. How would you feel if you classmates, boss, parents, or future employers saw it?
9. Look very carefully at what a Facebook group stands for before you agree to join it.
10. You do not have to tolerate online harassment, defamation, and bullying! Print it out and show a trusted adult. Help is available!
TTYL! Ms. H
