Page 31 - Third Issue

Tips

When approving friend and follower requests,
be careful Educate yourself on online safety

We must be aware that the online world and the offline It is very important that today’s youth learn about
world are different from one another. We run the risk online safety. We must be aware that, besides giving
of letting people who could be harmful into our circle if people a platform to interact with one another, it also
we accept requests without giving them time to think. provides a path for plenty of online crimes. It allows
Accepting friend or follower requests from strangers people to behave responsibly online, make informed
gives them access to our social media content, pictures, choices, and evaluate information discovered online.
and private data, which can lead to circumstances like Knowing about online security helps us use the internet
identity theft and fraud. One should not accept friend or privately. It informs us of the dangers of revealing
follower requests without knowing a person’s intention personal information online and encourages us to
due to the possibility that they might be spreading choose wisely when it comes to settings for privacy,
false information or having ill intentions. We can build sharing of information practices, and online actions.
lasting bonds and have meaningful interactions by being The importance of maintaining a good online image is
selective and approving requests only from people
who share our values and interests. Accepting friend
or follower requests from people with suspicious online
identities or acts might affect our public image or how
other people view us.

Avoid interacting with suspicious accounts in
conversation

Engaging in conversation with suspicious accounts puts
us at risk of security risks like hacking, fraud, or virus
installation on our devices. The person behind these
accounts might attempt to win our trust to obtain our
personal information. They might use that information
against us, which could be a threat to both our mental
and physical wellness. We might be giving them
personal information without realizing it. This can lead to
negative outcomes. Engaging with suspicious accounts
diverts our focus and energy from other important
tasks. These accounts might send us emails with
potentially dangerous links and attachments. We help
maintain the online community’s ethics by staying away
from interacting with suspicious accounts. Avoiding
interactions with false or misleading information helps
prevent others from making the same mistakes or
getting fooled by fraudsters. It encourages everyone
to use digital devices in a more secure and reliable
manner.

Put a stop to it and report

If we experience cyberbullying, we should report it made clear in online safety education. By being aware
and block the bullies right away. By doing this, we of the possible negative impact of sharing inappropriate
can prevent others from becoming the next victim. or harmful content, responsible online behavior is
Bullies must take responsibility for their behavior and promoted. We can confidently explore the online world
understand that it is unacceptable. The victim can and reduce the risks related to our digital identities by
create a safer online environment and lessen exposure acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills.
to harmful content by blocking and reporting the
offender. By speaking up against cyberbullying, we can Passwords should be kept private.
build a safer and more pleasant online community for
all. Online communities can become more unified and Even the most trusted individuals should not have
supportive by blocking and reporting cyberbullying. access to our passwords because doing so opens us up
In some cases, bullies often struggle with personal to various forms of abuse and harassment. Cyberbullies
problems or issues to overcome, which affects how they often make use of stolen or leaked passwords to disrupt
behave in a negative way. By reporting cyberbullying, someone’s privacy and share private and embarrassing
experts and authorities can take action to help the information in public. By protecting passwords, people
bullies and the victims, focusing on the root cause and can significantly reduce the chance that such personal
attempting to find a solution. If cyberbullying is not information will be discovered, limiting the resources
reported, it can make victims feel alone, helpless, and available to cyberbullies. It also allows people to
afraid to reach out for help. maintain control over their online personalities, lowers
the danger of abuse and fraud, and helps in the
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ICT NEPAL (Issue-3, 2023)