Blogging Safely: Essential Tips for Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones Online

Blogging can be a wonderful outlet for creativity and expression, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety and privacy. Here are some essential tips to ensure that your blogging experience remains positive and secure:

Never Give Away Personal Information

Avoid sharing personal details on your blog. Information such as your full name, address, phone number, and other identifying details can make you vulnerable to unwanted attention or even identity theft.

Publish Reliable Information

Always verify the information you share. Remember, what you publish online reaches a global audience and can be permanent. Misleading or inaccurate information can damage your credibility and have long-lasting consequences.

Avoid Competition with Other Bloggers

Focus on creating quality content rather than competing with other bloggers. Blogging should be about sharing your unique perspective and building a community, not outdoing others.

State Terms of Use and Copyright Clearly

Clearly outline the terms of use and copyright information on your blog. This protects your content and informs your readers about how they can use your material. It’s also a good practice to respect the intellectual property of others by properly attributing any borrowed content.

Guide with Positive Examples

Encourage positive behavior by sharing examples of children or students who are responsibly posting related information. Highlighting good practices can inspire others to follow suit.

Post Anonymously

Consider managing your blog anonymously or using an alias. This can help protect your privacy and reduce the risk of drawing unwanted attention.

Avoid Personal or Identifying Details

Refrain from sharing personal or identifying details in your posts. Avoid mentioning locations you frequent or providing specifics about your daily routine.

No Photos

Be cautious about posting photos. Images can attract unnecessary attention and sometimes reveal more information than intended.

Avoid Inappropriate Dialogue

Engage in respectful and appropriate dialogue. Avoid conversations that could be misinterpreted or escalate into negative exchanges. If a discussion makes you uncomfortable, disengage and stop posting. Always consider the intentions behind other users' comments and their past behavior.

Be Aware of Your Audience

Remember that your audience may be larger than you realize. Many readers do not engage in commenting but still read everything you write. Keep this in mind when crafting your posts.

Internet Content is Timeless

The internet never forgets. Even if you delete content, it may be archived or syndicated elsewhere. If you don’t want something to be seen, don’t post it. High schools, colleges, and employers often search the internet to learn about individuals, and inappropriate content can have long-term consequences.

Stay Vigilant Against Predators

The internet is a haven for predators who can adopt false personas. Just because someone says something is true, doesn’t mean it is. Be cautious and skeptical, and protect your personal information.

Blogging Can Be Great, But Be Safe

While blogging can be a fantastic outlet and a way to immortalize your thoughts, it’s important to follow good blogging practices and prioritize safety at all times.

Guidance for Parents on Blogging

• Establish Rules: Set clear rules for online use with your children.
• Monitor Posts: Review what your children plan to post before they publish it.
• Evaluate Blogging Services: Choose blogging platforms with robust features, such as password-protected and secure blogs.
• Review Regularly: Regularly check your children’s blogs to ensure they are following safe practices.
• Encourage Positivity: Guide them with positive examples, such as students responsibly sharing relevant information.