It's important for everyone to understand that navigating the internet leaves "digital footprints" that other people can follow. Whether this is taking a look at your social media accounts, websites you visit, or the information you consume - the way you spend your time online is being collected by companies who then sell your information to other companies. Once something is on the internet, it is nearly impossible to erase entirely. 

So how do you keep yourself safe? 

• Make your accounts private! Sharing personal information online is dangerous. Even sharing information about what school you go to can provide someone with a lot of information about you. 
• Don't post information that you wouldn't want others or an adult to see. 
• Think before you share! Before sharing information, critically analyze what you are sharing. Does this person have the necessary credentials to share this information? Is the information accurate?
• Know who you are talking to! Just like how you wouldn't speak to a stranger in public, you shouldn't speak to strangers online either. 
• Take a break. Comparing yourself to others online can negatively effect your mental health. Taking breaks from social media is a good thing. 
• Always be kind. 

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Gale in Context: Elementary

Gale in Context: Middle School

Gale in Context: High School

Cyberbullying, along with all bullying, is a serious issue. If you, or someone you know is being cyberbullied, here is what you need to do: 

• Tell someone. We often don't think we should share what is going on at school or online with our parents or guardians, but if you are experiencing cyberbullying, it's important to say something. Tell a parent/guardian or tell someone at school like a teacher or gudiance counselor. 
• Keep a record. Although it's painful to keep evidence of how someone has been bullying you, it's important to save the interactions you have experienced. 
• Report the content on social media. All social media platforms have the ability to report harmful content that would be flagged and removed. 

To learn more, visit Stopbullying.gov. 

Britannica: 

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World Book Ebooks: 

PebbleGo & PebbleGo Next: 

Gale in Context: Elementary

Gale in Context: Middle School

Gale in Context: High School

SIRS Issues Researcher:

Citing you sources, or telling people where you received information, a photo, or video from, is incredibly important. If you created a really awesome TikTok and saw that someone else shared it, but didn't tag you in the photo - would you be upset that someone took credit for your work? I would imagine so! That is why it is so important to provide credit for other people's work! Explore the following links to learn more about why citing your sources is expected of you. 

Although social media has a lot of great benefits, it also has the ability to effect your mental health. Social media feeds are highlight reels of someone's life - they are only showing you the fun places they went, the amazing food they ate, and they always appear happy. Social media makes us believe that other people don't struggle or get sad or angry and that all of their days are amazing. But that is just not the case. Don't compare yourself to someone's highlight reel. It's also important to remember that social media posts, images, and videos can be altered and photoshopped

If you ever find yourself feeling upset or sad after being on social media, consider taking breaks for a few hours or a day. If the feelings persist, consider talking to someone about how you are feeling. It's important to reach out and realize that you are never alone. 

If you or someone you know if ever having suicidal thoughts, call 988 for the Suicide and Life Crisis Lifeline.