They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This is especially true as more and more teens are posting information about themselves online. What are your online pictures and blogs saying about you?

You may think there's nothing wrong with adding a picture of yourself at a party to your web page or writing an online blog about a teacher you don't like, but people besides your friends can see what's on your web page, including your parents, teachers, boss, or the police. This information can remain on the internet for years. Future employers and school admissions counselors check these pages, too – and may form negative opinions about you based on what they find.

• Think before you write. Will your parents or grandparents be upset with what they see on your web page? Make sure you're comfortable with everyone seeing the information you include.
• Protect your privacy. Don't post your full name, address, or phone number. Be careful not to include details about how to find you when you're offline, such as the name of your school or the places you like to hang out.
• Limit who sees your information online by restricting access to your web page to your friends or family.
• Be cautious of the people you talk to online. If you feel threatened or uncomfortable about someone, tell a trusted adult or the police. You can also report the person to the social networking site.

the world wise web
Remember, the information you post online can affect you for years to come. Being careful about how you portray yourself online now can make a big difference in your future. To learn more about protecting yourself online, visit dcu.org and select Show Me.

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