Tutor HuntSafeguarding

Don`t post in haste

safeguarding
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With social media now such a large part many children`s lives, they should be apprehensive as to the dangers of making thoughtless posts. Whereas one might be more circumspect with spoken words, it can be all too easy to be careless on the screen, to type out a quick and inappropriate message, and hit the send button.

Unlike speech which fades away to the air, online posts will very likely be permanent. Imagine there was an account of everything foolish you had ever said, made readily available for anyone to see - well social media provides such a record. There may well be no expiry date on the posts you make, and dependant on certain privacy settings, anyone in the future may be able to view the posts you made long ago, and judge you accordingly.

It is now a fairly routine practice for employers to trawl through the social media of prospective employees - and all those witticisms you made as a child or adolescent might appear less amusing to an adult audience.

In order to safeguard against posting inappropriate message, it would be wise to consider the following points. Their adherence will reduce the chance that you will have a legacy of embarrassing or inappropriate online posts once you reach adulthood. Of course it is not only children who can make imprudent posts - many adults will be just as guilty of writing or uploading images online they wish they could retract.

1. Don`t post impulsively

Words spoken in anger can last a long time online, and a good rule of thumb is to never post while angry. Even if you are notified as to something that you feel is a slight upon your character, and feel the urge to make an instant retort, take a moment to think. Let yourself calm down before you decide what to do - you may realise that a dignified silence is more effective than a quick and vulgar riposte.

2. Would you say out loud to someone what you are thinking of posting?

This is an excellent `litmus test` as to whether what you are thinking of putting online is acceptable. Before hitting the send button just ask yourself `would I actually say this to someone if they were standing in from of me?` For many the internet emboldens them, providing the courage to do things they wouldn`t perhaps be able to do in day to day life. If this means publishing your art, or attending an online course, then this liberation is a good thing. If however it means making an unkind or aggressive statement on a social media site, then it you should stop yourself before making the post.

3. Do you have permission?

The internet is a wonderful place to share things. In many ways it`s like a library with enough resources for every one one the entire planet! Movies, music, literature, educational documents - almost everything can be shared with just a movement of the mouse pointer or tap of the screen.
With such a generous community, it is easy to overlook the fact that some things shouldn`t be shared. Pictures and videos may just be meant for you, and shouldn`t be put online for anyone to see. If you are forwarded certain content, and are considering reposting it, ask yourself if the person featured in it would want you to do so. You may well be breaking the law if you share certain content without permission.

4. Be aware of the law

Posting comments online is very different from having an informal conversation in the real world. In many ways posting on social media is considered to be publication, and falls under the same legal framework as an article printed in a magazine or newspaper. Threats of violence, hate speech, and slanderous comments posted online may well be illegal, and could be used as evidence in a case against you.

5. Is what Im posting clear, or could it be misinterpreted?

A sarcastic tone of voice will let the hearer know that what you are saying isn`t meant to be taken as your literal sentiments. Sarcasm, irony, and other forms of dry humour may not work particularly well in plain text, and might come across as confusing, or even threatening. Try to put yourself in the position of someone who doesn`t know you, and is reading your post. Will they understand what you are trying to say, or will they most likely put a completely different meaning to your words than the one you intended?

14 months ago
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