How Students Should Stay Safe on Social Media Dos and Donts - By Seema Khanna

Staying safe on social media is essential for students in today’s digital age. By following the dos and avoiding the don’ts outlined above, students can enjoy the benefits of social media without falling victim to its dangers. With expert advice from educationists like Seema Khanna, students can be better equipped to navigate the online world securely. , Oct-07-2024

How Students Should Stay Safe on Social Media: Dos and Don'ts

Social media can be a great tool for learning, connecting, and exploring new ideas, but it also comes with risks. To ensure that students stay safe online, it is essential to follow some best practices.

Seema Khanna, an educationist with over 25 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of educating students about responsible social media usage. She believes that while students should enjoy the benefits of these platforms, they must also be mindful of their online behavior and security.

Dos for Staying Safe on Social Media

• Use Strong Privacy Settings: Always check and update your privacy settings on social media platforms. Limit who can see your posts, personal information, and contact details to avoid unnecessary exposure.
• Think Before You Post: Once something is posted online, it’s difficult to remove it entirely. Be mindful of the content you share—whether it’s photos, opinions, or personal details—because it can affect your online reputation and safety.
• Keep Personal Information Private: Avoid sharing sensitive information such as your address, phone number, or financial details on public forums or through social media. Hackers and cybercriminals can misuse such data.
• Be Aware of Cyberbullying: If you encounter bullying or harassment online, don’t hesitate to report it. Most social platforms have options to block, report, or mute users who engage in inappropriate behavior.
• Use Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your social media accounts by requiring a verification code in addition to your password.
• Follow Trustworthy Accounts: Only follow and engage with reputable individuals, organizations, and verified profiles. Be cautious of fake accounts that might spread misinformation or attempt to scam users.

Don'ts for Staying Safe on Social Media

• Don't Share Your Password: Never share your password with anyone, even friends. If someone gets access to your account, they could misuse it or expose you to potential risks.
• Don't Click on Suspicious Links: Phishing scams are common on social media. If you receive messages or posts containing unfamiliar links, avoid clicking on them, especially if they seem unusual or too good to be true.
• Don't Accept Friend Requests from Strangers: Be selective with your friend requests and followers. Accept requests only from people you know personally. Fake profiles often try to connect to gain access to your personal information.
• Don't Engage in Harmful Challenges or Trends: Some social media challenges may seem fun but can be dangerous or harmful. Stay away from risky trends and challenges that can have negative consequences on your health or well-being.
• Don't Overshare: Sharing too much about your daily routine, vacations, or location can make you an easy target for online predators. Be cautious about revealing your whereabouts in real-time.

Seema Khanna’s Insight

Seema Khanna advocates for responsible social media use among students. According to her, educating students on privacy settings, the risks of oversharing, and understanding online etiquette are crucial for staying safe in the digital world. She encourages parents and educators to have open discussions with students about how to use social media in a healthy and secure way.

Seema believes that students who are aware of the risks and take preventive measures can have a positive and safe online experience.

Conclusion

Staying safe on social media is essential for students in today’s digital age. By following the dos and avoiding the don’ts outlined above, students can enjoy the benefits of social media without falling victim to its dangers. With expert advice from educators like Seema Khanna, students can be better equipped to navigate the online world securely.