Social media advice hub

Go through privacy settings with children on all social media platforms they use. Make sure their profiles are private, and only people they know personally can view their posts or send them messages. Teach them the importance of controlling who can access their information.

Remind children that once something is posted, it can be difficult to take back. Encourage them to think carefully before sharing personal information like their location, school, or family details. Explain that it’s better to share with close friends or family than to make something public.

Encourage children to only accept friend or follow requests from people they know in real life. Explain that not everyone online is who they say they are, and it’s safer to keep their online connections limited to people they know offline.

Use the built-in parental controls and monitoring features available on most social media platforms to keep an eye on their activity. Check-in regularly to see who they are interacting with and what kind of content they’re engaging with, but ensure it’s done with respect for their privacy.

Teach children the importance of being kind and respectful online. Remind them that what they say or post can affect others, and they should always treat others with respect, avoid engaging in negative behaviour, and know when it’s appropriate to block or report someone who makes them uncomfortable.