With a new social network coming out seemingly every month,
knowing how to protect your privacy and information in all of these
spaces becomes a real challenge.
For young people using social networking sites, knowing how
their information is being used, and how to protect their privacy,
is a vital part of staying safe online. Now there is a new online
resource to make that easy and simple for anyone - regardless of
age.
Last week the Federal Government launched the new Easy Guide to Socialising
Online website. Developed in response to advice from the
Government's Youth Advisory Group on Cybersafety, the site was
developed with direct collaboration and input from industry
experts, representatives of key social networking websites, and the
advisory group of young people.
This website is far from being your average government
information website. It provides simple and easy
information on the privacy and cyber-safety features of 26 social
networking sites, search engines, and online games. For
each site, it provides information on how to manage privacy and
tips on how to stay safe on the website. Each section also contains
step-by-step instructions on how to report abuse, cyberbullying and
inappropriate content.
To access the site and get quick, simple
information on the social networking sites you or young people you
work with use, go to:
http://www.dbcde.gov.au/easyguide
It's fantastic to see an online resource for cybersafety that
has been developed in direct collaboration with young people, and
with direct input from social networking sites. A simple and
matter-of-fact resource on the web such as this is a useful tool
for professionals and young people that might actually be used.
For more information on online safety, and how to support
young people to stay safe online, visit our Online Safety
resources.