The document provides tips for teens on how to safely use social networking sites in 3 sentences: It advises teens to carefully check their profile picture, information, friends/contacts, photos/albums, comments/wall, account/privacy settings, and to be wary of advertisements/apps to avoid sharing too much private information or inappropriate content that could get them into trouble online or lead to interacting with unknown people. Teens are also encouraged to only share content they are comfortable with others seeing and to think critically about who has access to their page and why potential online friends are seeking to connect with them. Positive uses of social media that are highlighted include connecting with family/distant relatives, championing causes, and joining interest groups

1. Adults sometimes freak out about social
Yes, I’m on a social networking sites because they’re constantly
networking site.? hearing stories about predators and privacy. You’re
What’s the big deal? probably there just to socialize with your friends, talk
to people with similar interests, and share what’s
going on in your life. But plenty of teens have gotten
into trouble on these sites by posting inappropriate
pictures and comments, and meeting people in
person they know nothing about except what's online.
Check, check, check! The most important thing
So, how can I be safer?
you can do to protect yourself on these sites is to
What do I look for? annoying, especially with all of those privacy settings.
Use this guide and check off each section when you’re
1 Create family photo albums 4 Market a talent
What better to keep your distant Stars are born every day online. No
relatives up-to-date on your activities? need to move to California to pursue
that recording contract;; with one hit
2 Champion a cause video the producers will come to you!
POSITIVE THINGS From animal rights to bullying
YOU CAN DO awareness, social networking sites 5 Find a college
ON SOCIAL are the place to go for social activists. Make an informed decision about where
NETWORKING SITES to go to school by chatting with current
3 Join a group students and faculty.
Connect and discuss your interests
with like-minded people.
NetSmartz.org/TipSheets
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Copyright © 2010 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. All rights reserved.

2. Your Guide to Social Networking
Profile Picture
Is there anything about your Account/Settings
picture that could get you in This is where you’ll adjust your privacy settings. Go through
trouble, like nudity, alcohol, or each option slowly. Always ask yourself – what
drugs? Remember, this picture and who can see it?
will be public!
Home Account Inbox Username
Information/
This is either your real name or
About Me
a nickname. Using a real name
What are you sharing GeorgeyD isn’t bad;; it just means you have
about yourself? Delete
to look more closely at your
anything that could be Comments privacy settings and contacts.
too much information,
like where you live or go Beach later!
to school. You don’t have
Soooooo jealous :(
Information
Worst Day Ever.
Birthday: January 17, 1997
Location: Virginia hang in there!
Comments/Wall
Delete any inappropriate
Awwww, sorry!
comments, and don’t forget
Friends Me too!!!!! to be careful what you post
Friends/Contacts on others’ pages, too.
This list may include people you
only know online. Go through
each friend and decide if you
want to give them access to
your page. Why do they really
want to be your friend? Photo Album Advertisements
Ads/Apps
If you click on these or add them
companies access to your
personal information. Always read
OK to add and what’s not.
Photos/Albums
What kinds of photos are you sharing? Who can
see them? Don’t post anything you could get in
trouble for, like nudity, alcohol, or drugs.
NetSmartz.org/TipSheets
This resource brought to you by
Watch videos and play games at NSTeens.org
Copyright © 2010 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. All rights reserved.