Although the legislation in Spain indicates fourteen years as the minimum age to be part of social networks, the truth is that since there is no safe way to guarantee the age when accessing, there are many children under that age present in accounts of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other networks.
As parents, we are responsible for the use that our children make of the networks but many times we ourselves feel somewhat lost in terms of their use or risks. We then tell you 15 keys for a safe use of social networks in children and adolescents . This way they will be more protected and can make better use of them.
The first recommendation is to delay the use of social networks by your children as much as possible . Some with eight or nine years are determined and want to be active users of one. If that is the case with your child, and you agree to have a profile made, we hope that you control that social network well. It is the most important thing to be able to defend you from threats. We have made this list, but each new network has its own peculiarities and we must always be vigilant.
Do not open emails from unknown senders or in other languages
When you sign up for social networks, you provide an email address, so you must be careful before opening the emails that arrive in your inbox. Don’t open them if you don’t know the sender. They are usually spam and could contain a file with a virus attached that damages your computer.
Do not fill out forms that arrive by email
Especially those that require personal data. Be very careful also to emails that ask you to confirm personal data such as address, telephone number or bank details.
When creating a username avoid including first and last name
It is not a good idea to offer personal information through users that are created on social networks. For example, if you use @ mariagonzalez1309 you are providing your full name and your date of birth. Instead, use made-up names like @lunalunera or similar.
Use strong passwords
The most secure passwords are those that use combinations of letters, capitals, and numbers . Avoid including personal data such as dates of birth in them. Instead, use for example the name of a car model that you like, a make, a significant date …
Do not share passwords with anyone
Never reveal your passwords for email or social media accounts. They could use them to replace your identity and send documents or upload photos on your behalf.
Avoid a profile photo that identifies you
When setting a profile photo, a generic image is preferable to a personal photo , especially when it comes to a minor.
Always keep profiles private
When it comes to minors, their profiles on social networks must always be closed (or private) . By default, the profiles are open, but you must activate the opposite option from the account settings.
Don’t accept anyone you don’t know
It is what social networks have, that is why they are social. Anyone can ask you for a friend or follow-up request. Never accept strangers or people you don’t have regular contact with.
In the case of minors, requests for follow-up or friendship must always be accepted by the parents .
Do not share personal information on your profile
Do not include information that allows you to identify your location, nor personal data such as the school where you study, the days you will be away on vacation, and much less information such as your address, your telephone number or reveal plans or places to which you are going to go. in the coming days.
Do not share photos of minors
Photos of other minors should not be shared without parental consent. And this is important to transmit to children as well.
We must teach them to respect the privacy of other children and other people . Also, do not share photos of family and friends without their knowledge and consent, or offer personal information of others.
Be careful with the photos you upload
What is shared on social networks remains on the internet for years and can be misused by some people. Therefore, it is very important to think about it before uploading a photo . Anyone can copy and paste it elsewhere. Also take into account the repercussion that it can have, you do not control if someone shows your photo to another person you do not know.
Take care of your comments
Never insult or disqualify other people through comments or direct messages on social networks.
Watch out for offensive or inappropriate messages
Social networks are an avenue for harassment of minors and between minors . The impunity behind the anonymity of a user is used to contact the child.
Just as you should teach your children to respect others, you should explain to them that if any comment bothers or offends them, they should tell you right away .
Be careful with direct messages
Never exchange direct messages with users you do not know personally or with whom you do not have a regular contact. In the case of minors, parents must have access to their devices and be able to monitor their children’s direct messages with other people .
Do not participate in groups with people you do not know
Never accept participation in a group with unknown members. Also, if threats, insults or harassment of other people occur in any group of which you are a member, you should report it.
More information | Protect them
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