Posting goofy videos of yourself can end up making you feel embarrassed. 

 

Illustrations by Tatsiana Burgaud; Shutterstock.com (all other images)

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The Secrets of Social Media

You might think you’re ready to join TikTok or YouTube. But do you know how to be responsible online?

As You Read: Identify two ways that people can be good digital citizens.

Anyone who uses the internet makes a digital footprint. That’s a trail that includes anything you post or is posted about you. It can last forever, so experts say it’s important to keep your footprint in good shape.

That isn’t always easy. Most social media apps say users must be at least 13 years old. Younger kids need an adult to set up an account. But even with an adult’s permission, going online and posting can be tricky. 

“There are going to be many dilemmas,” says social media expert Emily Weinstein. Luckily, she has tips for how to be a good digital citizen. 

Anyone who uses the internet makes a digital footprint. It is like a trail. It includes anything you post or is posted about you. It can last forever. So experts say it’s important to keep your footprint in good shape.

That isn’t always easy. Most social media apps say users must be at least 13 years old. Younger kids need an adult to set up an account. But even with an adult’s permission, going online and posting can be tricky. 

“There are going to be many dilemmas,” says social media expert Emily Weinstein. She has tips for how to be a good digital citizen. 

Shutterstock.com 

8- to 12-year-olds spend nearly 5 hours on screens daily (not including school or homework). Source: Common Sense Media

Are Posts Forever?

Ten-year-old Andy from New York posted silly videos of himself on TikTok. Then he saw how many views they got. 

“I was embarrassed,” Andy says. “I regretted it.”

But even deleting posts might not get rid of them forever. People can share screenshots of posts. Plus, posts can be stored online and we don’t realize it.

“It’s not always possible to delete, which is why it’s important to think before we post,” says Weinstein.

She says good digital citizens also consider others. Always ask friends for permission before posting photos of them.

Ten-year-old Andy from New York posted silly videos of himself on TikTok. Then he saw how many views they got. 

“I was embarrassed,” Andy says. “I regretted it.”

But even deleting posts might not get rid of them forever. People can share screenshots of posts. Plus, posts can be stored online. We may not even realize it.

“It’s not always possible to delete, which is why it’s important to think before we post,” says Weinstein.

She says good digital citizens also consider others. Always ask friends for permission before posting photos of them.

Shutterstock.com 

Nearly 7 out of 10 5- to 8-year-olds have theirn own smartphone or tablet. Source: Common Sense Media

Digital Drama

Namya is a 10-year-old from Washington State. When she joined TikTok, she posted dance videos.

“At first, it was fun,” Namya says. “Then the drama started.” 

People began posting rude comments on her videos. And Namya isn’t alone. A recent study showed that 1 in 7 kids between ages 9 and 12 have been cyberbullied.

Experts say responding right away to negative comments will only keep the drama going. Instead, tell a trusted adult and report the comments to people who run the app.

Namya is a 10-year-old from Washington State. When she joined TikTok, she posted dance videos.

“At first, it was fun,” Namya says. “Then the drama started.” 

People began posting rude comments on her videos. And Namya isn’t alone. A study showed that 1 in 7 kids between ages 9 and 12 have been cyberbullied.

Experts say you shouldn't respond to negative comments. That will only keep the drama going. Tell a trusted adult instead. Report the comments to people who run the app.

Beware of the Share

Illustrations by Tatsiana Burgaud

Never give out information about yourself online.

Kathryn, a 12-year-old from Louisiana, has nearly 200 “friends” on the app Roblox. But she knows only a few of them in real life. During a chat, she told people her name and birthday. When Kathryn realized her mistake, she felt nervous. 

“I wished I could undo the chat, but I couldn’t,” she says.

Experts warn that it’s dangerous to give away personal information online. For instance, tagging a location on a picture or post can show other people exactly where you are. 

Weinstein says always trust your feelings. If you’re worried or uneasy about something online, tell an adult right away. 

Kathryn is a 12-year-old from Louisiana. She has nearly 200 “friends” on the app Roblox. But she knows only a few of them in real life. During a chat, she told people her name and birthday. When Kathryn realized her mistake, she felt nervous. 

“I wished I could undo the chat, but I couldn’t,” she says.

Experts say it’s dangerous to give personal information online. For instance, tagging a location on a picture or post can show other people where you are.

Weinstein says to trust your feelings. If you’re worried about something online, tell an adult.

  1. Based on the article, what is a person’s “digital footprint”?
  2. Why shouldn’t kids count on being able to delete social media posts?
  3. Why does the author put quotation marks around the word “friends” in the section “Beware of the Share”?
  1. Based on the article, what is a person’s “digital footprint”?
  2. Why shouldn’t kids count on being able to delete social media posts?
  3. Why does the author put quotation marks around the word “friends” in the section “Beware of the Share”?
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