Safe in 60: Protect your privacy on social media

SALT LAKE CITY — If you are a parent, you probably spend a majority of your time worrying about your child’s social media safety. While it’s a great way to stay in contact with our family and friends, it can also bring unforeseen dangers.

Here are ways to make social media more safe for you and your kids:

PRIVACY

Update your privacy settings regularly, and parents, make sure to double check your children’s privacy settings. You may not even realize it but you could be sharing your every move on Facebook to anyone who has access to the internet.

Here are links to privacy settings on the most popular social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

FRIEND REQUESTS

Never accept a friend request from a stranger.

And, if someone you know sends you a friend request, take a quick check of their profile first and make sure there isn’t anything fishy. It could be a spam page posing as a friend.

THINK BEFORE YOU POST

Don’t share your location, phone number, home address, or any picture that would identify where you live.

Never post that you are going on vacation for obvious reasons. Share those photos when you get back!

Remember that everything you put on the internet – even if you delete it – is there forever.

REPORT UNWANTED CONTENT

Always report any unwanted photos or messages you receive. This may seem harmless, but it could turn into something very serious. Always tell a parent or an officer about any provocative or unwanted messages or pictures you receive online.

LOCATION TRACKING

Finally, remember that when you post photos on social media, depending on your privacy and location settings, the exact location of the photo may show.