Protect your child’s online reputation

Help your child take control of what they share online and learn how to build a positive online reputation that will support their future education or career aspirations.

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Quick tips
3 ways to protect your child’s online reputation

Teach them the difference between public and private information online
Review their privacy settings on the platforms they use to make sure they stay in control of who has access to what they share.
It’s important to make the point that if it’s online there is the potential that the world could see it so ‘Thinking before posting’ is key to protect their online reputation

How to create a positive digital footprint

Here are some ways you can help your child take control of how others see them online and create an online reputation that will highlight their strengths and passions to serve them in the future:

Private can mean Public

Teach your child that it’s difficult to keep things private online. Even best friends pass on messages you’ve asked them not to, accounts and profiles get hacked, and companies can change their privacy policies. Children should never post anything online they don’t want thousands of people, including their family, to see.

Maintain positive online behaviour and social media profiles yourself

Set an example in the way you behave online, be aware of how you use social media and tell your child that you would never post anything you wouldn’t want them to see.

Think before they share

Children should understand that their actions online can affect both themselves and others. They should never say anything about anyone they wouldn’t want said about them – and remember that nasty comments they make now may reflect back on them for years to come.

Build a positive online presence

Your child can use their online presence to build a positive reputation for themselves – for instance by writing a blog on a topic they are passionate about.

Deactivate and delete unused or incorrect profiles

When your child stops using a social networking profile or website, it’s a good idea to deactivate or delete their account to protect their online reputation. This will mean that the account is no longer live and shouldn’t be searchable online. However, make sure you’re fully informed – as deleting doesn’t always prevent information from being shared (e.g. Google Photos keeps collecting information even after the app has been deleted)

TEDx talks on the impact of digital footprints through the spoken word from Teacher Michelle Clark.

Guide to building a good online reputation

It can be tempting on social media to get carried away and say things that can later cause issues. Here are 3 simple tips to keep kids grounded on social media.

Be creative

Encourage your child to use different social platforms to display their skills and talents. It could be using Snapchat stories to create an engaging CV or YouTube to showcase a range of talents. You could also encourage them to publish school projects to reflect their academic achievements.

Although ‘being nice’ sounds simple, it can actually go a long way. Encourage kids to compliment friends and give constructive comments on other people’s blogs and promote others’ efforts. Learn more about how to use social media.

Be authentic

Although the internet allows children to be anyone online, it’s important to encourage them to be themselves and use their social platform to reflect who they really are. Being fake and telling half-truths can later backfire and cause issues later down the line.