Safeguarding: staying safe on social media

Sharing information on social media

When you set up a social media account, like Facebook, you will be asked to put information in your profile. Including details such as your name, your age, the town you live in and a photo of yourself.

Here are some top tips on setting up your profile:

Filling in your profile - only write a small amount about yourself when you set up your profile. Take time to consider what you want to share on your profile, like information about you and photos. You could ask someone who you trust, like a family member or support worker, to help you write your profile.

Set your social media to private - setting your social media accounts to private means you can approve your followers. Only accept people that you know in real life and that you trust.

Setting up your password - when you are choosing your password, do not use your date of birth or where you live in your password as they will be easy to guess. Do not share your password with anyone and keep it safe.

 

Tips on sharing messages and photos

Think about what you write on social media platforms, like Facebook, before sharing them. You could ask someone what they think before you send it.

It is important to remember that you should behave in the same way you would behave in real life. Always be respectful, and do not do or say anything that you would not do in real life. If you are ever worried about your online safety or someone else’s, then speak too someone you trust.

 

Friends on social media

If you are not sure who to trust on social media, like Facebook, ask a friend or family member to help you look at people’s profiles before you say yes to the friends invite.

 

Resources for online safety

Below are some useful resources for staying safe online and using social media safely.

Mencap’s guide on Online, email and phone safety: Online, email and phone safety | Mencap

National Cyber’s tips for staying secure online: Top tips for staying secure online - NCSC.GOV.UK

Staying safe online for people with learning disabilities: How to Stay Safe Online - Guidance for Adults and Young People with Learning Disabilities - Digital Safeguarding - Ann Craft Trust

Social media online safety cards: Online Safety Guides – Social Media - Our Safety Centre