Facebook Essentials: If you are using Facebook, there are some essential things you need to know and actions you need to take.

Facebook Essentials: If you are using Facebook, there are some essential things you need to know and actions you need to take.

by Mark Southon -
Number of replies: 0

Facebook Essentials

If you are using Facebook, there are some essential things you need to know and actions you need to take.

1. Understand that regardless of your privacy settings, it is always possible that someone you rather wouldn't will gain access to your Facebook page. This doesn't include just possible “predators”, but potential future employers several years from now. So think very carefully about what you post on Facebook!

2. Update your privacy settings

Facebooks's now have privacy settings for 13-17 year olds which to default to “Friends only viewing”. This can only be changed if you click the “Friends of Friends” (meaning the public) option before you post; leave it on “Friends”!

Check your privacy settings are the same as below. You access these settings by clicking the padlock icon and choosing “See more settings”.

How to edit privacy settings for your photo albums:  https://www.facebook.com/help/215496745135618

3. Make sure you have a strong password and don't give it to anyone, except a parent.

4. No doubt you all know this anyway: never accept a friend request from someone you don't know!

5. Don't post contact information (address, email or phone number) and don't use your full real name. You can't use fake names, but Facebook does allow you to use nicknames for your first or middle name.

6. You have to be 13 to register for an account. If you are under 13 and you have an account, then you have lied about your age.



You can find more information about Facebook and social networking at these links:

http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/home_users/protect_yourself2/safe_social_networking

http://safeandsavvy.f-secure.com/?s=facebook

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/internet/Blogging-Social-Networking/Facebook/Privacy-Settings-Safety.html

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/8-essential-facebook-rules-for-teens

http://thecybersafetylady.com.au/2013/10/facebook-reverses-teens-privacy-with-public-posts/