Safe Blogging Tips for Students

Blogging can be both a learning and fun activity if done responsibly. It provides a channel for them to practice their writing skills as well as an outlet to express and share their thoughts and opinions.

However, when students become too transparent online and reveal their personal information, blogging can pose serious threats. There are people out there who prey on children for sexual tourism and many other Internet crimes.

To ensure blogging will not only be fun but safe activity for our students, here are some tips for safe blogging: 

  · Limit the personal information you post on your profile - never provide complete names, address, and most importantly, contact details.

· Similarly, avoid providing information about your whereabouts.

· Limit posting of personal photos, including photos of your family, friends.

· Avoid posting provocative thoughts and photos.

· Post only materials that you believe are appropriate for everybody to read. Remember, aside from being cautious online, you also provide a respectable online portfolio.

· Don't reply to rude or questionable comments as they might just be inciting you to respond and reveal personal details.

· Most importantly, don’t meet the people you “meet” online. If somebody tries to harass or hounds you online, ignore them or bring up the matter with your parent or teacher.

Smart Schools Program, "ICT Resources"

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