This week's free online safety guide focuses on ‘friends & followers’. What makes social media actually ‘social’ are the connections users make with other users on the platforms. The guide takes a look at how to tackle a range of potential risks such as online bullying, catfishing and access to private information.

A free online safety guide on ‘friends & followers’.

What makes social media actually ‘social’ are the connections users make with other users on the platforms. Every social networking site handles these connections differently, calling them ‘connections’, ‘friends’ and ‘followers’, amongst others. Having friends and followers is how we find out what other people say and do. Your friends and followers are much more likely to see your online content than those outside of your network, which is why it’s important to be mindful of who you connect with and what you share. On some platforms, if two accounts follow each other, this may allow additional communication channels such as private messaging.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as online bullying, catfishing and access to private information.