Why is privacy and security such a big deal?
It might not seem like it’s that important but think about it like your house. You wouldn’t leave your front door open and unlocked (hopefully you don’t!) because then anyone could come in and take whatever they wanted.
It’s the same with your personal information. You don’t want just anyone to be able to come to your profile and take whatever information they want. Some people will use that information to take advantage of you or try to get something else out of you by blackmailing you.
How can I protect my privacy online?
When new and exciting things happen our first instinct can be to share it online. But it’s important to be careful when you share photos of yourself that contain details that could help a stranger identify who you are, like your school logo or uniform.
The eSafety Commissioner has some great tips to consider before you share videos and images online:
- Ask before sharing — if you take a photo or video with someone else in it, ask if it’s OK to share.
- Think carefully before you share an image or video — once you share something online it is very difficult to take it back. It could be shared or copied by someone else.
- Don’t share anything you wouldn’t want people to see in 5 years — will you still think that video you’ve just posted is cool in 5 years?
- Check what you are sharing — check if a photo or video has anything in it that could show where you live or the school you go to. Does it show the front of your house or street? Are you in your school uniform?
- Take it down — if you have shared a photo or video and the person asked you to take it down, do it!
- Don’t share or forward something embarrassing — if someone sends you a photo or video that you know would be embarrassing for the person in it, don’t forward it on or share it with others.
Visit eSafety Commissioner(external link) for more information.
How do I check my privacy settings?
Below are some instructions on how to check the privacy settings of the social media apps, software and devices you use. If you want to know how to change settings on a device or platform that isn’t listed below, you should be able to find them on the company’s website.
- Discord(external link)
- Facebook(external link)
- Google/Chrome(external link)
- Instagram(external link)
- Mac(external link)
- Microsoft(external link)
- Roblox(external link)
- Snapchat(external link)
- TikTok(external link)
- Twitch(external link)
- X/ Twitter(external link)
Parental controls
We don't always think about using parental controls as rangatahi, but they can be really useful! Whether its when you're having friends over for a streaming party, or those times you're babysitting a younger sibling, parental controls help you keep your friends and whāhau safe. The below video from Te Mana Whakaatu Classification Office(external link) has more information: