Table of contents:
Social media
Email, instant messaging and mobile phones are a great way to keep in touch with your friends and share information.
Any personal information shared online via social networking websites can affect your safety and even your future job prospects. Set your profiles to private or friends only and only accept friend requests from people you know and trust.
Uploading content to the internet means everyone can see it. Think about the effect photos or other materials could have on your parents, family or future employers before uploading it online. Tell your friends to ask for your permission before uploading and/or tagging a photo of you and do the same for them.
Filming crimes or assaults to promote them online may have legal consequences and you may be breaking state and federal laws. You could be charged and face heavy fines or a criminal conviction.
Remember that you may be filmed or photographed at any time. Behave responsibly and protect your privacy.
Check out the ThinkUKnow website for more information.
Sexting
Sexting refers to sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically. It is usually via mobile phones but can be via MSN, email or social networking sites.
If you receive a sexting photo do not send it to anyone else. Posting or emailing inappropriate images of other people, particularly those under 18, is a criminal offence. You could face child pornography charges if the photograph or footage is of someone under the age of 18.
If you send an explicit photo to someone you cannot control where it goes. The consequences of sexting can include:
- damage to your reputation
- damage to your self esteem
- people you don’t want seeing the photos
- cyber bullying
- losing valuable friendships or relationships with family members and partners
- depression and anxiety.
