- What is posted online stays online. It can be retrieved even if deleted .
- A relationship/friendship does not have to be based on the photographs you send or the video calls you make or the compromises you have to make or do things you are not comfortable with.
- Limit giving personal information online like future plans, location, phone, school or anything that gives out your information.
- Your photographs may have your GPS locations, landmarks, house, vehicle number or other information that need not be made public. So post them only after the event.
- Do not reveal personal information through games. Do not make friends with strangers through online games.
- Video calls and chats can and are being recorded ,even if people tell you differently.
- Do not let strangers lure you into chat rooms.
- There is a lot of misuse of snaps and videos from relationships that end badly. When you share photos and videos, make sure you share those that you won’t mind being seen by anyone.
- If you are being harassed online, do not delete or deactivate texts or accounts. Back up everything for proof/evidence.
- Block out sexually suggestive messages or chats from unwanted people.
- Reach out to friends ,family, or the law enforcement agencies like the police when in trouble. If you give in to threats it only gets worse.
- Do not make fun or bully others online, ignore the bullies and get help. Cyber bullying is leading to deaths world over and can destroy lives. Cyber bullying is against the law. Don’t let weak minds define your life.
- Do remove the SIM, SD Card and reset before giving for repair. If you can’t do this, stay with the phone while it gets repaired and as much as possible get it done at authorized service shops only.
- Be careful when handing over phone/ passwords to friends or others.
- Do not share children’s photographs online. The internet is not a safe place for a child’s photograph, their photos can be sold online to pedophiles and sex traffickers. Let us not put their lives at risk.
- Do not give into threats or blackmail. The person hiding behind a gadget and trying to scare you is a coward. Break the cycle of fear. Warn him that you will report him to the law enforcement if he does not stop harassing you.
- Do not share information without checking if they are genuine. In a lot of cases, it turns out to be wrong or fake information and can end up getting people in trouble.
- Do not share hate inducing posts ; It not only wrecks beautiful relationships, but also adds to hate and negativity in your life.
- Do not turn to social media when feeling depressed. Details of other people’s exciting lives may bring you down further.
- Teach children that if obscene pictures of people pop up on their screen or are sent to them, they are to report to you. That watching these at their age can cause a lot of issues, including that of mental health.
- Make children understand the need for online safety rules and to reach out to you if they feel uncomfortable or bothered by something or someone online.
