Using social media safely
Why is being safe with social media important?
Social media helps us connect with friends, share important moments, and learn new things. It has given us the chance to connect with people all over the world, reducing the cost of talking with people in different countries and has allowed us to see many cultures and traditions that would otherwise be out of reach.
But it's important to use it safely.
Online scams and harmful content are risks that needs to be considered when opening social media accounts. Across all scam types reported by Barclays customers in 2024, the majority (75%) originated on social media and tech platforms. Three quarters (74%) of respondents believe there are more scams online than there were a year ago, while one in three (32%) now feel less confident in their ability to spot scams.
Source: Scams unwrapped: Barclays reveals the most spotted scams of 2024
Why is social media safety important?
- Protecting personal information: Sharing too much can lead to identity theft or fraud
- Avoiding scams: Scammers trick people into giving money or personal details
- Mental well-being: Seeing harmful content can affect our feelings and behavior.
In this module we will help you to understand social media privacy settings, recognise and avoid scams, support young people with social media, take steps to protect your online reputation and create healthy habits for social media use.