SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES AND CONSIDERATIONS

OVEREXPOSURE

Includes both posting a great deal of personal/private information and self-published sexual pictures (sexting, selfies, etc.).

The belief that “It won’t happen to me” also known as the “Invincibility Factor” can be your downfall. Posting and interacting online tends to give us the illusion of anonymity and privacy, however our actions online do pose risks. What we do online can have far reaching consequences.

TIPS:

Think before you post: what would family, a prospective employer or college recruiter think of it? Almost all employers search job candidates online.

What we post is PUBLIC AND PERMANENT! Anything can still be online even when you go back to delete it – don’t believe the “10-second ” hype (e.g., picture is only visible for 10 seconds) that some apps are promising.

Talking about sex or posting sexually suggestive pictures may draw attention both from perpetrators AND law enforcement.

Privacy is a myth in social media - think critically: YOU CAN’T TAKE IT BACK!

ADULT PREDATORS

Most likely scenario:

Kids/teens are lured into online contact and then persuaded over time to meet offline.

Force is rarely used; they use the promise of acceptance and love.

It’s usually not ‘Stranger Danger.’

 *70% - 90% of sexual abuse is committed by persons known to the victim.

Deception is not the norm.

 *5% of offenders tried to deceive victims about being older adults. Most deception involved promises of love and romance.

Predators use GROOMING (manipulation of their victims)!

            Predators may tart with chat rooms, then when you are comfortable suggest Instant Messaging, then e-mail, then             cell phone, and then (most dangerous) meeting in person.

Force is seldom used. ---force is often not needed because the predator has gained your trust.

 *5% of offenders used force, 16% coercion, 3% used abduction

TIPS:

THINK CRITICALLY about communicating via social media with people you do not know; predators try to MANIPULATE us into being in contact with them. They try to convince us they really care – if someone is too good to be true, don’t believe it!

Keep in mind that it is not the QUANTITY of friends that is important, but instead it is the QUALITY of those friends that may help keep you safe.

CYBERBULLYING/ “DRAMA” & HARRASSMENT

An array of activities including:

Teasing others about appearance, sexuality, etc.

Embarrassing someone using text, photos, etc.

Making threats and using physical intimidation

TIPS:

Do not to reply or respond to what is being said about you. Inform your friends they should also not respond your behalf.

Be an ally – when you see something nasty posted about someone else, you can be encouraging to the victim   (anonymously when needed).

Be choosy about what you post about yourself – gives less information for others to use against them.

Tell adults when you need help. Ask them to help you figure out a solution

Inform the Internet service provider, school, and/or law enforcement when necessary.

Inform school and police when necessary.

Don’t erase or delete messages: keep them as evidence.

Block bully from access to cell phone and social networking sites.

NEVER share passwords with any friends, not even best friends!!!

DON’T BULLY OR HARRASS OTHERS!

You may find that you become a victim yourself.

EXPOSURE TO INAPPROPRIATE MATERIAL

Access to adult-related material in general.

TIPS:

If you see something that bothers you, talk to adults about it!

Do not send/forward inappropriate material to others....you could be held liable!

TIPS OVERALL

Never post your personal information, such as a cell phone number, address, or the name of your school.

Be kind to others on all forms of social media.

If you wouldn’t feel comfortable saying something in front of your Parent(s), Teacher(s),

Employer, or to the person face to face, then

DON’T TEXT, POST or REPEAT IT!

Be aware that information you give out through social networking sites, instant messages, e-mails, and blogs could put you at risk of bullying and other types of victimization. Also be aware that posting information about your friends could put them at risk.

Use privacy options on all social networking sites.

Report misconduct to Internet providers and/or social networking sites.