Here are some rules that you need to learn, know, and follow when you are blogging or using any other form of social media.
Only make posts and comments that you will be proud to stand behind as your own. Your name is used for them so be careful. Blogs can be public and although this one is private, you never know whose sister, grandmother, little cousin could be viewing your pages and reading your work.
Never use your own full name or anyone elses full name on here. Just use your first name or if someone else has the same name as you, use your first name and last initial. Posts or comments with full names will not be published.
Don’t post pictures, videos or information about others without their permission first. I will not approve them.
Never give away any personal information (phone numbers, passwords, home addresses etc).
Write with correct spelling, punctuation and grammar. This is a showcase of your work. Blogs are not the same as text messages or tweets. They are the modern version of news stories. A journalist wouldn’t last very long if they wrote “OMG, 2day we went on xcursion 2 opera house @ sydney”, now would they?
Don’t post negative comments or rumours about others. Remember you will always be held accountable for whatever you write.
Never post anything that might lead to your identity being revealed. Instead of saying ” My name is Sarah and I am playing tennis at Bar Beach at 2pm on Saturday”, you should say “My name is Sarah and I enjoying playing tennis on the weekend.”
If you do happen to find anything on here that upsets you or makes you feel uncomfortable, see Mr Frew straight away so he can address it.
Remember: KidBlog is completely moderated by Mr Frew so all posts and comments are checked before being approved. However, other social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are not. Once you press send, it is in cyber space forever and is part of your digital footprint.
If you follow these rules, blogging will be an enjoyable and safe part of school life. Happy blogging!
The video "A day in the life of social media" shows that social media companies are growing very fast, and will be a part of your lives when you grow up and move into high school and university. If you apply the rules we are learning from blogging to social media, you will be able to stay safe, and have a positive online appearance.