Over the past few weeks we have been discussing Social Media, what it is, as well as the benefits and dangers it can bring.

Today we were looking at the facts.  We discovered that the minimum age limit for an account on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat is 13.  YouTube requires account holders to be 18.

Although none of us is old enough to have one of these social media accounts, we took time today to research the safety features available.  When we are old enough, we need to know how to keep ourselves safe.

Here are some of the facts we found:

Max – Even if you deactivate your account, Twitter keeps your data for thirty days.

Frankie – You can delete hate and report abuse.

Kadyn – Accounts can be made private and protected.  Always think twice about anything you are posting.

Elise – Think before you post, because once it is out there, even if you later delete it, someone will see it.

Matthew – If you have a public account anyone can follow you and see your posts.

Rebecca – It is VERY important to know whether your account is public or private.

Tayyba – Snapchat can remove or suspend an account if it is reported for inappropriate use.

Jack F. – You can report abuse of any sort.

Aalia – You can delete and block accounts.

Some of our class members took a few of these leaflets home today, to give them to their parents or older siblings.  These leaflets are available in school for any parents or carers who would find them useful.