THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA OFFER all of us amazing opportunities to explore our world, share ideas and connect with people around the globe—but serious dangers exist. It’s important for everyone, especially youth, to think about what and how they share information.

• Never post your personal information, such as cell phone number or address.
• Never give out your password to anyone other than your parent or guardian.
• Never meet in person with anyone you first “met” online. Some people may not be who they say they are.
• Think before posting your photos. Never post a picture of yourself that is sexually provocative or inappropriate.
• Never respond to harassing or rude comments posted on your profile. Report these comments to the networking site if they violate that site’s terms of service.
• Set the privacy settings of your social networking profile (or page) so that:
  a. You have to approve all friend requests.
  b. Only your approved “friends” can view your profile.
• Remember that posting information about your friends could put them at risk. Protect your friends by not posting any names, ages, phone numbers, school names or locations.
• Consider removing information from your blog and profile that could put you at risk. Remember, anyone has access to your blog and profile, not just people you know.