Now that school is starting back up, the conversation of online safety has never been more important.

Experienced hackers and scammers know that your impressionable student is going to be online. As well, future employers also know you’re going to be online. 

One false click or one seemingly innocent photo may have the potential to have a very large impact on your child’s future. It’s crucial for them to be taught how to manage their online reputation and safety.

Here are BBB's social media safety tips to ensure your child is safe this fall.

 

1) Get familiar with social media platforms

According to a survey conducted in 2013, 33% of admissions officers report looking at applicants’ social media platforms. They claimed that “what is posted on the internet is considered public knowledge.” Even more alarming, 70% of employers regularly use social media to screen their potential candidates.

Parents who are more familiar with their child’s social media platforms are better able to teach what to do and what not to do. The best way to do this is to make your own! Once you make your own profile, you can then send a friend request to your child. This will allow you to see what they are posting and who they are interacting with. This will most likely dissuade your child from posting what they are doing at their “after-school hangout,” especially if they know their parents or other family members will be able to clearly see it. 

 

2) Ask them this important question 

A question that should be asked to anyone with a social media account is: “Would you be worried if your future employer found you on social media?”. If the answer is “Not really.”, great! If they pause and think, it may be time to start reviewing the content they share. A conversation about the dangers of social media is important. Making your child aware of the potential impact a post can have on their future, might make them think twice about what they are posting. The best way to find a solution is to address the problem. 

 

3) Create an online portfolio

Social media is about more than just posting selfies. Online profiles should be viewed as online portfolios of personal goals and accomplishments. In fact, 37% of employers say they have actually hired a candidate because their social media reflected the personality of the company. Help your child by taking photos of them at volunteer events, with an honors award, or even a candid of them falling asleep at the table doing homework. Posting photos like these will show a well-rounded young adult who is passionate about their goals (and may need a bit more sleep at night).

 

4) Make sure their social media is “private”

While doing this cannot guarantee absolute privacy, it can help to prevent strangers from easily taking your child’s image and placing it in an out-of-context situation. Any public photos or videos posted online can be easily duplicated and put into any article, news report, another photo, etc. Be sure all of your child’s accounts are set to private and that they do not accept any friend requests from strangers, and that they do not click on any links sent to them by a stranger. 

 

5) Reach out to BBB!

If you have questions or want more information on ways you can protect yourself and your child online, reach out to your local BBB.