Time to Talk about Digital Reputation

Many people young and old may not think about their digital reputation, this is an important topic to discuss with your kids that are about to start using the internet or are active on the internet especially social media.

Your child’s digital reputation is defined by their behaviours and content they post about themselves or others online. Being tagged in a photo that may not show them in a good light- I’m not talking about how they look in a selfie but what they may be doing in the photo- these things are hard to erase with people stealing photos and having the option to screenshot these types of things

Certain posts can spread like wildfire on social media with just one click of a button.

The problem with the digital world is people can’t read tone well, you may think your being funny but others may read it as being nasty.

People do judge others on what they say and do online, this is the truth. Just join a mum’s online group and read the comments on a controversial post about parenting.

Earlier last week someone had posted a personal question in a group, someone then went onto screenshot the post and share this with a family member of the posters- this didn’t end well- even if you think you’re in a safe group of so called online friends, you need to be careful posting personal information which could ruin relationships.

This is quite sad feeling like you have found a safe non-judgmental place online to vent, just to have that trust stamped on.

A major issue with youth online is that they don’t really think about what they post and don’t realise the repercussions later on in life, for example applying for a job- the employer may do a quick search on Facebook to see what type of person they might be hiring- one post or picture could mean your child doesn’t get the job.

Another issue is that many youths are all about how many likes they can get and how many friends they have online- this for one isn’t safe- why can’t they feel content with real life friends and family?

Sit down with your child and have a chat about digital reputation, awareness is important. What impression do they want to leave for others to find?

Discuss: