8 Facebook Safety and Security Tips for Teens!

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While most of us are used to using Facebook and social media networks, a lot of teens are just starting out and exploring the online work.

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Unfortunately, there are many bad guys online, especially on social media platforms such as Facebook, who are there to take advantage of new or naïve members.

Use these safety and security tips and share them with your teen to ensure everyone has a safer experience.

Never register for Facebook if you’re under the age of 13. Some teens want an account when they’re only 11 or 12 – not even a teen yet! However, Facebook specifically forbids anyone younger than 13 from registering.

Avoid using your real first and middle name. Facebook does not allow fake names, but you can use your nickname as your first or middle name. This will keep online criminals and potential predators from obtaining more information about you.

Set strong privacy settings. Not just anyone should be able to see your profile as well as your content and photos. And while you may want to be a social butterfly, it is best to only make your details available to friends and family.

Do not post any contact information. Never use your personal email or cell phone number on your Facebook profile. Facebook spammers and hackers can use this private information to spam or torment you. The less you expose online, the better.

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Never post your location. Criminals and predators use social media too! And they can use your location to track you down or figure out that you’re not home. Switch off your geotagging and save your holiday pictures to be posted when you’re at home.

Always report abusive posts and harassment. If you’ve ever felt threatened or someone is harassing you with unwanted messages or posts, report it by clicking “report abuse.” Should you feel that you are still getting harassed, feel free to contact our OSINT (open-source intelligence) department on 021 110 0422 | contact@osint.co.za and we will do what we can to assist you!

Create a strong password and keep it a secret. If your password is too simple and you use it for all your accounts it can be easy for cybercriminals to gain access to your account. Always make sure to choose a complex, unique password and always log out completely when you’re done!

Keep a lookout for scams. Not all people on Facebook are there to make friends and post fun pictures. A lot of Facebook apps are made by bad people to access your profile, opening you up to spam or worse. Always be cautious of Facebook scams, including scams on Facebook Marketplace.


Has your account been hacked? Report it to us immediately! Do not be embarrassed, it is vital that you report that you have been hacked or scammed on Facebook. Contact our OSINT department on 021 110 0422 | contact@osint.co.za

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