What Not to Share Online for Teens and Kids

Privacy and safety go hand-in-hand when it comes to teens and kids spending time on the Internet. As a parent, guardian, or teacher, it is essential to give them effective information so they know how to protect themselves. The following five tips form the foundation of understanding what not to share online for teens and kids. Although other rules are necessary, this will go a long way to protecting both their personal data and identities and themselves overall.

Teach your children from a very young age to never share the following types of information or content on the Internet anywhere.

Full Legal Name or Family Data

No child or teenager has any reason to share their full legal name, names of their family, or information about the people connected to them in any way. If a new online friend or website asks for a name, make up a pseudonym or use an abbreviated form of your first name.

Addresses and Other Contact Information

Too many stories exist in the news about kids and teens who shared location information and ended up missing. Even more stories exist of wild parties or flash mobs happening after someone posted an address. Never let anyone online know where you are physically. If you want to communicate this information to a friend you are planning to meet at the local movie theater or fast food joint, call or message them directly.

Financial Details

Never share bank account information or credit or debit card numbers with anyone online. If you want to purchase something, ask a parent if they will help. Shop only at trusted sites to keep your information safe.

School, Hang Out Spots, and Other Locations

While groups of friends talk all the time about places they love to visit together, sharing this with virtual strangers is never a good idea. The last thing you want is some creepy person showing up at your school, favorite park, or a popular venue looking for you.

Passwords and Security Answers

Never share passwords, usernames, or answers to security questions on any site. This is the cornerstone of cyber security for everyone.

Personal Information About Friends

They should protect their friends just as much as they protect themselves. Never post someone else's name, contact information, or personal business. This pertains to every other rule on this list including the following one about images and video.

Any Unapproved Images or Video

No underage person should share media that depict them, their family, their friends, or location unless they have direct permission from their parents. These things can give out a lot of information that scammers and unethical people can use.

For teens especially, you must express how damaging it is to share any photos or videos of them in compromising positions, any state of undress, or taking part in illegal or unethical activities. The Internet is forever, and future friends, partners, or employers can find this content with ease.

The Internet presents a wealth of opportunities to learn, socialize, and have fun. Teens and kids spend hours using it every day. Unfortunately, it also offers far too many chances to get in trouble and become unsafe. Teach younger people how to protect themselves and their identifying information by following these five rules.