Staying Safe in a Digital World: A Teen's Guide

Let’s be real—these days, your life is online. You’re snapping, posting, gaming, streaming, and connecting 24/7. The internet is awesome for meeting new people, learning new things, or just having fun. But it’s not all sunshine and memes out there. Here’s how to make sure you’re keeping it safe while you scroll. 

1. Don’t Overshare Your Info 

Your personal info is nobody’s business—so don’t make it easy for scammers. Never post your full name, address, phone number, school, or passwords anywhere, especially not in public profiles or messages with strangers. Even little things like your birthday or favorite hangout spots can give away more than you think. For example, that selfie at your go-to boba place could tell strangers exactly where to find you. 

Set up strong, unique passwords for every account, and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) if it’s an option. It’s like putting a lock on your door—no one gets in without your say-so. 

2. Think Before You Post 

Once you put something online, it can stick around forever—even if you delete it. So, before you post a pic, comment, or story, think: Would I be cool with a teacher, my future boss, or my parents seeing this? If not, keep it off your feed.  

And don’t forget, privacy goes both ways. Always ask your friends before posting stuff with them in it. 

3. Don’t Fall for Scams 

Scammers are everywhere online—DMing you about “free iPhones,” weird giveaways, or making fake profiles. If someone you don’t know sends a link or asks for info, ignore and block. Never share your passwords or money details and watch out for messages that try to freak you out with stuff like “Act now or your account gets deleted!” That’s a classic scammer move. 

4. Be Respectful 

Staying safe online isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s also about making the internet a nicer place for everyone. Don’t post mean stuff, don’t cyberbully, and call it out if you see it (if it’s safe). Lifting each other up is way better than tearing people down. 

Remember, what you say online can hit just as hard as saying it IRL. 

5. Talk to an Adult You Trust 

If something online makes you feel weird, scared, or confused, don’t deal with it alone. Tell a parent, teacher, or another adult you trust. Seriously, it’s not embarrassing—they’ve probably seen it all before. Plus, reporting bad stuff helps keep everyone else safe, too. 

6. Watch Out for New Online Risks 

The internet never stops changing, and neither do the scams. Stuff like deepfakes (super-realistic fake videos) and fake news are everywhere. If you see something wild or sketchy, double-check with a legit news source before you believe it—or share it. Don’t get tricked by rumors or clickbait. 

7. Give Yourself a Digital Checkup 

Just like you’d update your phone or clean out your closet, give your online life a regular check. Go through your privacy settings, change your passwords, and shut down any old accounts you don’t use. Make sure only your crew can see your stuff. 

Final Thought: The internet rocks, but only if you use it smartly. Keep your guard up, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if something feels off. Being safe online is about looking out for yourself—and everyone else, too.