German
Social Networks
Social networks are a super thing: You stay connected with your friends and always know what is going on.
But maybe you’ve heard about someone getting harassed on one of the social networks? Or that someone posted an embarrassing picture and everybody saw it? Tom has put together these tips for you so you’ll know the best way to deal with such difficult situations.
Your friends are all in a social network and now you want to join? Ask your friends first of all, what’s so great about it. It’s best to talk with older siblings or adults about their experiences, too. By then you’ve gained a lot!
Do you know that every social network has what are called terms and conditions? These contracts are of course hard for children to understand. But it’s good to know that they exist. For example, they say how old you must be to be part of the network. The best thing is to read them with your parents and get informed together.
All social networks have security settings. Here, you specify who can see your page. Consider carefully what others will see. Your address, your phone number or the names of your parents and friends are no business for strangers.
You can usually delete your own status post, if you want. But then, sometimes, it might be too late, because others have already seen it and shared it further. So: think hard first, then send out your messages.
Before you post something on a social network, just ask yourself: Would tell or show this to just anyone in the schoolyard? This quick test helps you to avoid posting anything wrong or embarrassing.
Teasing and harassment on social networks is just as common as in the schoolyard. It’s called cyberbullying. If you notice that someone is getting bullied online, don’t be a part of it.
Are you aware of a friend of yours getting bullied online? If you can’t help him or her yourself, tell an adult about it. Together you can definitely do something.
You can write a WhatsApp message and send it off in a flash – but was it nice? On social networks, pay close attention to how you write! Because a quick message can be misunderstood quickly, too.
