‘Review your online profile’
Social media could be harmless in many cases but think twice before you hit the post or like option.
It seems your online profile could need a makeover.
This according to actress Hayley Owen who gave school talks on the dangers in social media.
Owen, who rose to fame in TV series like The Wild, Isidingo and High Rollers, did three years of educational theatre before she worked in television. She now hosts talks at schools about precautions social media users should take.
On 20 February she addressed the grade 1s and 2s at Bryanston High School.
“You should adjust your privacy settings and block anyone who says offensive things. Your profile [will then be] a VIP room,” said Owen. She said although there are many positives aspects to social media, you need to take control of your identity online.
“Think twice before posting something. There are many fake profiles,”she said.
“You have heard this since Grade 1, but you should not talk to strangers – even online. Even if you have been talking to someone online for six months, you still do not know that person. Don’t just meet with someone.”
Owen shared the story of a man dubbed the Facebook Rapist who posed as model recruiter, he invited them for auditions and then raped them.
She compared cyber-bullying with a billboard on a highway. “Pretend your social media entry is there for everyone to see. It is like you have written it on a billboard, and all the people passing it, reads it. Social media goes very far. There have been many cases of suicide.”
The issue of naked or sexy pictures was also under discussion. “If you have pictures of someone naked under the age of 16 you possess child pornography and you will end up with a criminal record, and you will not have the [employment] opportunities you would have had without the criminal record.”
Her next talk will be at Randpark High School on 6 March.
There are many dangerous areas online but there is help. The South African Anxiety and Depression Group (Sadag) and Young Crime Liners can assist you.
Details: Sadag 0800 567 567, Young Crime Liners SMS 32211 (R1 per SMS).
