What, why, and how to keep your online reputation safe this summer.
Using the internet has become a huge part of all of our lives. Especially during exciting times like now- summer break! With school out and more time to relax, we all want to share pictures from our fun vacation spots, outside activities with our friends, or an exciting moment we experienced. Utilizing social platforms is a great way to stay connected with friends during this time as well, but it’s important to be smart and safe when posting for your friends to see.
This is where your DIGITAL FOOTPRINT comes in, it may have a bigger impact on your life than you think.
What it is…
Every time you log onto your social media accounts and decide to share a photo, comment, or like a post, you leave a digital footprint behind. A digital footprint is like an online trail – even if you think you deleted a photo, comment, or unlike a post, that footprint might still exist somewhere.
Imagine your digital footprint as taking steps through sand, mud, or snow. These footprints show where you’ve been, and anyone can follow them.
Why it matters…
Your digital footprint can tell a story about your life, based on the pictures you share and any personal and private information that you reveal. The things you share online matter. Even if you’re only posting to your followers, there could still be ways for people to see what you just shared. A 24-hour story can last forever online once someone screenshots and shares the post with someone else.
Personal information should especially NEVER be posted. Private information like your full name, home address, passwords, and phone numbers should never be shared online with anybody. Always think twice before posting something that could be personal to you; it’s important to protect your safety and others around you by not revealing things you don’t want a stranger to know. “In the past year, about 78% of internet users admitted to sharing personal information online,” (Digital Risk Inc., 2024). This number proves how easy it is to accidentally share something that you didn’t mean to by not taking a second to think about what it is that you’re posting. Protecting you and your friends’ privacy is the best way to stay safe online while still having fun.
How to protect your digital footprint…
Protecting your digital reputation is important since it may reflect how others perceive you outside your online presence. Making smart and safe decisions online can go a long way in creating a positive digital footprint for yourself.
Here are just a few ways to prioritize your online reputation while also having fun on social platforms:
T.H.I.N.K.
HELPFUL… Think if this post could be helpful to someone you know. Imagine a nice way to add a helpful tip or friendly message in your post.
TRUE… Ask yourself if what you’re posting is true and not false information. It can be easy to exaggerate a story online, but it’s best to double-check your posts to be honest.
INSPIRING… How would you feel if you saw your post on your feed? Does it inspire you or uplift your mood? Make sure you’re proud of the things you share online.
NECESSARY… Is your post worth sharing? Sometimes, it’s important to check with yourself that you’re not oversharing. This could create a bad habit by posting out of boredom.
KIND… Are the posts you share online respectful towards others? If your post could hurt someone’s feelings or expose private information about them, it’s best not to share it online.
Private Your Accounts
“This is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from online dangers is only allowing people you know in-real-life to view your posts on social platforms by changing all your accounts to private,” (The University of Nebraska – Lincoln, 2025).
Having public accounts online allows anyone to access your posts, who you follow, and see what posts you’ve liked. Even if you’re posting smart and safe content online, strangers may pick up on small details you’ve shared without you realizing it, so it’s best to keep your accounts private.
Having private social platforms allows for you to accept or deny whoever wants to follow you or send you a message, which can help you avoid any forms of cyberbullying or harassment in the future.
DO NOT Share Personal Information
Always avoid posting ANY private information online – even if you’ve changed all your accounts to be private. Your followers can still screenshot information and share your posts without thinking.
Never share your private information or your friends’. Imagine how you would feel if one of your friends shared private information about you without your consent.
NEVER Talk To Strangers Online
If someone you don’t know messages you or requests to follow your account, it’s best to ignore them. Always tell a SAFE ADULT so they can help you avoid the unknown online user. Sometimes, strangers can also pose as people you know in-real-life.
If you’re hesitant to accept messages or follow requests from them, be sure to talk to the person they are impersonating face-to-face to make sure it’s their real account.
Ask For Help If Something Feels Wrong
Remember MBF’s Safety Rule #5 , No Blame, No Shame. You should never feel shameful or guilt in approaching a SAFE ADULT or SAFE FRIEND for any questions or concerns you have about anything online. If you ever accidentally share something you didn’t mean to, it’s better to have your SAFE ADULT handle the situation than take matters into your own hands. Always reach out for help sooner rather than later before any issue you’re dealing with online gets worse.
Having a safe and private digital footprint doesn’t mean you need to completely stop posting online – just post with smart intentions. You can still share those pictures from your tropical vacation, your favorite summer hobbies, or funny memories you made with friends, but make sure you do it in a way that protects your safety.
As long as you’re online, your digital footprint is a part of your life, but the great part about having a digital reputation is that you’re in control of it!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
CLICK HERE to learn about more ways to have a fun and safe this summer!
Tips for Fostering Digital Safety in Your Home HERE
