Social media, online dating, apps and digital footprints
When using social media such as Facebook and X, it's important you:
- pick a username that does not include your own name or date of birth
- use a strong password and do not share this with anyone
- use privacy features to restrict who can see your profile
- be careful about what you post
You should not give away your personal details, such as:
- address
- phone number
- school
You can find more advice on using social media on the Police Scotland website.
Visit the National Cyber Security Centre website for:
Online dating
When using dating websites, you should:
- choose which website you use carefully
- protect your privacy
- be careful if you decide to meet someone in person
You can find advice on using online dating sites and learn about romance fraud on the Police Scotland website.
Apps
When using apps, you should:
- install them from a recognised app store, for example Google Play or Apple
- be aware of costs, such as roaming and in-app purchases
- be aware of what permissions you grant
When an app needs access to certain data on your smartphone or tablet, this is known as permissions.
For example, Google Maps might request access to your current location to give accurate directions.
You can find advice on using apps on the Information Commissioner's Office website.
Messaging and photo sharing apps
Instant messaging, photo and video apps are popular with children and teenagers.
This includes:
- messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal
- photo or video sharing apps, such as Snapchat and TikTok
You can find more advice about using social network sites on the Get Safe Online website.
Digital footprints
When you post or look at anything online, you leave a trail of details and information. This is called a 'digital footprint'.
Digital footprints mean you never have complete privacy online. And you should be careful about what information you share.
You can find advice about digital footprints on the Family Lives website.