Don’t give out too much information

Keep your personal information general. Placing your home address on a social networking site is not a good idea. Instead of listing your entire address list the Regional area you live in (i.e. Southern California). Posting your favorite hobby or activity is harmless but uploading a video or photo of yourself at the prom in front of your home (with a clear shot of your house number in the backgroud) may compromise your privacy. Be very selective about the type of information you share with others.

After you have successfully created a profile, review the privacy policy and safety tips on the web page. The safety tips on sites such as MySpace provide teens and parents with resources, links to other websites that can protect children online.  The safety section addresses cyberbullying and provides techniques children/parents can apply if someone is being harassed online.

Review each section of your account to ensure that you have set the appropriate privacy settings.

Never broadcast that you are home alone

You may think having the house to yourself is liberating but you never know who is lurking. We all like to think our contacts or friends online have our best interests in mind but you can never underestimate who may be looking to prey on children or young adults.  Talk to you parents about the rules and your computer access while you are home alone.

Never post inappropriate language or use profanity on social networking sites

Many of us have been upset with a friend, parent or teacher at some point in our lives. Using a social networking site to vent your frustrations is not the proper channel to express your feelings. Talk to someone instead like a guidance counselor, principal or role model whom you trust to speak about your problems. Using profanity and spreading your personal business online is not advised. Airing out the family’s dirty laundry tells the online community that your house is not in order. Family disputes should not be broadcasted online but should be settled privately. Your social network should not be subjected to your family troubles. Seek professional help if necessary.