Social Media Safety for Teens

The following checklist can help you take steps to keep yourself safer online.

Check your comments and images.

Have you posted anything inappropriate or illegal, like threats, nudity, alcohol, or drugs?

Talk to your friends about what's OK to post.

Agree that you won’t post embarrassing or hurtful comments or images of each other. Be clear that you’ll delete – or if needed, report – any posts that are inappropriate, illegal, or threatening or could get you in trouble.

Review your account settings.

Go through each option slowly. Always ask yourself – what is on my profile and who can see it?

Know your friends, contacts, and followers.

These are the people who can see, share, and comment on what you post so you want to be sure you can trust them. Block and report anyone who makes harassing, threatening, or inappropriate comments.

Keep an eye on 3rd party apps.

Some of these apps will give companies access to your personal information. Always read the fine print before deciding to add one.

Don't forget mobile.

When you use mobile devices like smartphones and tablets to post something or check-in, you could also be sharing your location. Check your settings to make sure you’re only sharing what you want to.

Report.

You have the right to be safe online. If anyone cyberbullies you, make a report to the website or app. If anyone shares or asks you to share sexual messages or images, make a report to www.CyberTipline.com.