Online safety tips
Parents and policy makers can help young adults pay attention to their online reputation and take steps to ensure a positive persona – personally and professionally.
The Digital Civility Challenge
Microsoft encourages everyone to take the challenge to help make the internet a safer place. Our fifth Digital Civility Index showed digital interactions and responses to online risks are improving around the world.
Adolescent mental health in the age of AI
The new age of AI brings new opportunities—and new safety considerations, including how technology may impact adolescent mental health. As a part of our deliberative and responsible approach to safety and AI, we partnered with the CERES (Connecting the Ed Tech Ecoystem) research network to help build a shared understanding of the current research landscape and focus of future efforts.
Reputation
Anything you post can become part of your online reputation and your online brand for the rest of your digital life. Remember the internet is permanent, vast, and always listening. Any one of your selfies could show up at your first job interview.
Could this hurt me or others?
It is difficult to know how others will interpret or react to your post. What you post might affect others directly or indirectly.
Would I share this with my parents or family?
You never know who reads what you post. Imagine how your parents or family would react if they read your post.
Could this limit opportunities for my future?
It is common for schools, volunteer programs, and hiring managers to review your digital footprint. Be thoughtful about what you post online.
Social media cliche
Answer multiple choice questions about your social media habits to learn which cliché you are.
Take the quizPin Head
Using location services? Limit who knows your whereabouts, pay attention to where/when you check in, and link to social media with care.
Momarazzi
Be mindful about what you post online about your kids – of any age. You might be putting them at risk by revealing their current location, age, school, etc.
Team Emo
Don't post anything you'd only say to a close friend. Whether you're happy, sad, angry, or have money worries, confiding broadly could increase your online risks of being bullied, targeted for scams, or worse.
Hashtag Hyper
Be selective about where and when you use hashtags to avoid oversharing your location. Keep sensitive details to yourself that could be used to defraud; impersonate; or find your home address, phone and account numbers, birthdate, or photos without your knowing it.
Selfie Centered
Before you post any pictures, videos, or comments online, ask yourself: Could this tarnish my reputation? Think before you post; it will be there a long, long time.