In this day and age, most people have an online profile or two. Do you know how secure your profile is? Do you know if the private information you post will stay private? Sometimes it is easy to forget that what you post is basically "out there" for life. Here are some tips that can help you protect your online reputation:
Check your security settings on a regular basis: Some websites like Facebook update their security setting often and usually without warning. It is a good habit to get into checking your security status on a weekly basis. If you leave your settings open to the public, there is no telling who can be looking at your messages and/or pictures.
Careful what you post: At times we can post information or things online while discussing a certain topics or venting about an issue. It may seem harmless at the time, but it could have repercussions in the future. Employers are now using social media to do security clearances on employees. Would you like them to read or see pictures of you in a compromising situation? Think about it.
Do you over share your information? Sharing information like your first name, gender or even a very generic location (such as Manitoba or Canada) as a place where you live is OK to do. Giving more information about yourself such as home address, phone numbers, even the school your children go to can make it very easy for strangers to find you. If you don't want to get spammed, end up a victim of identity theft, or let "just anyone" know where you live, then keep personal information like your phone number off your profile.
Do you actually know or have met each of your contacts? Many people join groups and/or sign up complete strangers to your profile to make new friends, or to make your friend count higher. Whatever the reason, just be careful. If you wouldn't share personal details with a stranger on the street, then why let them access it online?
Internet and social media safety
The Internet and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter can be fun places to play games, share information and stay in touch with loved ones. But they also pose safety challenges for parents of young children.
Children up to age nine learn best by example. They also need clear boundaries. Spend some time showing your child how to use the Internet safely, and agreeing on Internet ground rules. Give your child the confidence to face situations - teach them how to communicate both face-to-face and online. Reinforce that you're always there to help.
Set up for safety: Monitor the use of mobile devices (phones, laptops, tablets and even cameras). By monitoring what your child is doing, you are then aware of the content of information that can be shared.
Key messages for your child: Teach them that not everything they see or read on the online is the absolute truth. Talk openly with your child as situations arise. Advise your child to alert you right away if they come across anything that makes them feel uncomfortable, negative messages or even pornography. It is best to remain calm and find solutions together to avoid such situations in the future. Most importantly, lead by example.
For more info or to get help, visit:
www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj | www.needhelpnow.ca
Need to report something?
Go to www.cybertip.ca
Or contact your local police department.
Const. Lisa Wowchuk is the Thompson RCMP detachment's community relations officer. She can be contacted by e-mail at: lisa.wowchuk@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
