Although the legislation in Spain indicates fourteen years as a minimum age to be part of social networks, the truth is that since there is no sure way to guarantee the age at the time of access, there are many children under that age present in Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other networks accounts.
As parents, we are responsible for our children's use of the networks but many times we ourselves feel somewhat lost in terms of their use or risks. We tell you then the 15 things you should know about social networks before letting your children use them. This way they will be more protected and can make better use of them.
The first recommendation is delay as much as you can the use of social networks by your children. Some with eight or nine years insist and want to be active users of some. If that is the case with your child, and you agree that a profile is made, we hope you control that social network well. It is the most important thing to defend against threats. We have made this list, but each new network has its own peculiarities and we must always be alert.
Do not open emails from unknown senders or in other languages
When you sign up for social networks, you provide an email address, so be careful before opening emails that arrive in your inbox. Don't open them if you don't know the sender. They are usually spam and could contain any file with virus attached Damage your computer.
Do not fill out forms that arrive by email
Especially those that require personal data. A lot of eye also to emails that ask you to confirm personal data as address, telephone or bank details.
When creating a username avoid including first and last name
It is not a good idea to offer personal information through the users that are created in social networks. For example, if you use @ mariagonzalez1309 you are informing your full name and your date of birth. Instead, use invented names like @lunalunera or similar.
Use strong passwords
The safest passwords are those that use combinations of letters, capital letters and numbers. Avoid including personal data as birth dates. Instead, use for example the name of a car model you like, a brand, a significant date ...
Do not share your passwords with anyone
Never reveal your passwords of 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 picture that identifies you
When setting a profile picture, it is preferable a generic image to a personal photo, especially when it comes to a minor.
Always keep your profiles private
When it comes to minors, Your social media profiles should 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, so they are social. Anyone can ask for a friend or follow-up request. Never accept strangers or people with whom you do not maintain regular contact.
In case of minors, Follow-up or friendship requests must always be accepted by parents.
Do not share personal information on your profile
Do not include information that allows you to identify your location, or personal data such as the school where you study, the days you will be away from vacation, much less information such as your address, your phone number or reveal plans or sites to those who will go in the next few days.
Do not share photos of minors
Photos of other minors should not be shared without parental consent. And this is important to transmit also to children.
We must teach them respect the privacy of other children and others. Nor should you share photos of family and friends without your knowledge and consent, or offer personal information from others.
Beware of 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 Think about it before uploading a photo. Anyone can copy it and paste it somewhere else. Also consider the impact 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 to other people through comments or direct messages on social networks.
Attentive to offensive or inappropriate messages
The social networks are a route for bullying of minors and among minors. The impunity behind the anonymity of a user is used to contact the child.
Just as you must teach your children to respect others, you must explain that if any comment bothers you or offends you, you must notify it right away.
Watch out for direct messages
Never exchange direct messages with users that you do not know personally or with whom you do not have a usual deal. In the case of minors, parents must have access to their devices and be able to monitor your children's direct messages with other people.
Do not participate in groups with people you don't know
Never accept participation in a group with unknown members. Also, if in any group of which you are a member threats, insults or harassment of other people occur, you must report it.
