Internet Safety: Tips for Safe Teen Blogging

We all know a teenager or two who blogs and maybe even vlogs (video blogging) because online journals are great ways for teens and kids to engage in self-expression. There are many positive benefits of blogging which include identity building, improved writing and communication skills, and more.

Over half of all blogs on the Internet are written by kids under the age of 19. Some teens have a tendency to overshare on their blogs, and a surprising amount of parents are unaware that their child is blogging at all. Here are some quick tips to help kids (and their parents) stay safe while blogging.

1. Protect your blog from being hacked.  Use a complicated password including both letters and numbers.  Make sure it is at least 6 characters long.
2. Use your “street smarts.” Avoid giving out any personal information like names, addresses, school names, birthdays, etc. Remember that any content you post could pop up on an Internet search engine, and divulging personal facts could put you at risk for becoming a victim of cyberstalking or physical stalking.
3. Act as your own editor-in-chief. Set up your blog to monitor and approve comments before they are posted online.  This will help you steer clear of any unwanted drama and potential cyberbullies.
4. Choose images wisely.  Stay away from posting personal photographs that either expose private facts (like where you live) or show yourself in a negative light (like party photos in which you engaged in underage drinking).
5. Be mindful. Remember that anything you post online becomes permanent in cyberspace and has the potential of coming back to haunt you. This includes using vulgar language, posting explicit images, or writing inappropriate content.  Imagine that a future employer or admissions counselor to your dream college is reading your blog because it’s entirely possible that they will a few years down the line.

Of course, it’s important for parents to discuss the dos and don’ts of blogging with their children, and monitoring your child’s blog from time to time is always a good idea too.