Social Media Awareness & Safety
Social media is any website or app that connects people outside of face-to-face interactions. Examples of social media sites include: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, and more. While these sites can be great for keeping in touch with friends and family, they also open opportunities for strangers to contact you or obtain your personal information. Talk to your young adult about safe social media practices today!
Tips
Here are some social media safety tips (taken from onguardonline.gov):

  • Online actions can have real-world consequences
  • What you post could have a bigger “audience” than you think
  • Get someone’s okay before you share photos or videos they’re in
  • Report cyberbullying to school authorities or the police
  • Use privacy settings to restrict who can see and post on your profile
  • Limit your online friends to people you actually know
  • Learn about location-based services
  • Trust your gut if you feel threatened or uncomfortable because of someone or something you find online
  • Some information should stay private
  • Keep your passwords private
  • Don’t reply to text, email or pop-up messages that ask you to reply with personal information
  • Be cautious about opening attachments or clicking on links
  • Learn about security software and how your computers are protected
  • Remember that sometimes, free stuff - like games, ring tones or screen savers - can hide viruses or spyware
  • Whether it’s your laptop, tablet or phone, don’t leave it in public – even for a minute
Website & Contact Info
If your young adult is being harassed on social media, contact the local police non-emergency number to file a report.

Darien Non-Emergency – 911 (for emergency and non-emergency)
Hinsdale Non-Emergency – (630) 789-7070
Willowbrook Non-Emergency – (630) 325-2808




Additional Questions?
If you still have questions or want more information, simply reply to this email or reach out to Heather Riggs at 630-468-4566 or hriggs@hinsdale86.org.
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This information was compiled by the Tuesday Transition Tidbits Committee- Taryn Chrapkowski, Ashley Principe, and Heather Riggs.
The Transition Center
7302 Clarendon Hills Road
Darien, IL 60561
Phone: (630) 468-4318 • Fax: (630) 468-4591