Common Sense Media:

Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Internet Safety 101:

Internet Safety 101, is an initiative of Enough Is Enough, a 501c(3) whose mission is to make the Internet Safer for Children and Families.

https://internetsafety101.org/parentsguidetosocialmedia

 Parents - FBI:

A summary of resources provided by the FBI

https://www.fbi.gov/resources/parents

Digital Safety - Family Resources | National PTA

National PTA has partnered with several internet and social media providers to host events across the country, creating a safe space for parents to talk about their digital safety concerns and learn from experts in the field about what they can do to support their families in creating safer communities online.

https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/safety/Digital-Safety

Department of Homeland Security:

Find tips and resources on how to become a good digital parent

https://www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/news/2022/02/22/internet-safety-kids

Family Online Safety Institute:

Working to make the online world safer for kids and their families

https://www.fosi.org/

Managing Your Privacy Settings on Social Apps

Social Apps are a great tool for networking, staying connected with friends, and sharing events, but it is important to adjust the default  privacy settings to ensure that your personal information remains protected.

Instagram:

Instagram is a smartphone-based app which allows users to upload photos and 15 second videos, along with comments and captions.  By default, your profile and posts can be seen by anyone.  To modify your settings so that only your approved followers can see your  pictures:

1. Tap “Edit Your Profile” next to your profile picture
2. Turn on the “Posts are Private” setting
3. Save your changes

 SnapChat:

Snapchat allows users to take photos and videos, along with sending text, to a controlled list of contacts.  The user can set a time limit  for how long their contacts can view their messages, photos, and videos, up to a 24 hour period.

There are two privacy settings that can be controlled by the user: 

1. “Who Can Send Me Snaps?” – select “My Friends,” rather than “Everyone.”
2. “Who Can View My Story?” – select “My Friends,” or “Custom,” rather than “Everyone.”

Although managing your privacy settings on social apps can help keep your personal information protected, always remember…

 “Nothing is truly private on the internet.”