About the Easy Guide to Socialising Online
Why use social media?
Using social media sites is a fun and easy way to connect with people. You can keep in touch with friends and family, share photos and videos, get involved with issues that interest you and play games. It's also a great way to express yourself, tell people what's on your mind and be creative.
What is the 'Easy Guide to Socialising Online'?
The 'Easy Guide to Socialising Online'* provides information about the cybersafety features of different sites, including social networking sites, search engines and online games. By clicking on the logos for each site, you can learn how to adjust your privacy settings, report inappropriate content and find out more about other safety features.
There's also general advice on our Tips page about how you can stay safe online using any social media site – including any that aren't listed here.
How was the Easy Guide developed?
The Easy Guide was developed by experts – including industry partners and Australian teenagers.
It was created in response to advice from the government's Youth Advisory Group on Cybersafety (YAG) – a group of young people from all over Australia who provide advice to government on cybersafety issues.
YAG members told us that young people wanted to know more about how to socialise online safely, and that their parents wanted to know more about the sites young people use.
Members of the government's Consultative Working Group on Cybersafety (CWG), including the Internet Industry Association, worked closely with the government and the YAG to develop the Easy Guide.
Advice on social media sites was provided directly by social media organisations and CWG members including Facebook, Google, Microsoft, NineMSN, Yahoo!7 and the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association.
We've also incorporated valuable feedback from members of the YAG and the Teachers and Parents Advisory Group on Cybersafety.
If you've got a technical question about the Easy Guide, have a suggestion for adding another social media site or want to let us know about more current information please email us at email@example.com.
Want to know more?
For more information about cybersafety you can visit:
To download the government's Cybersafety Help Button, visit www.communications.gov.au/helpbutton.
* Disclaimer: The purpose of the Easy Guide is to provide general information about the cybersafety features of different sites, including social networking sites, search engines and online games. The information has been sourced from publically available materials.
The Department of Communications does not endorse any particular site or organisation mentioned in the Easy Guide. Sites are included based on current Australian usage data and advice from the members of the Consultative Working Group on Cybersafety and the Youth Advisory Group on Cybersafety. The Department warrants that the information provided in the Easy Guide is up to date at 28 February 2013. Individuals should exercise caution in relation to their safety online.
To the extent permitted by law, the Department accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from a person's reliance upon the materials contained in the Easy Guide.
Remember, when you're online – be safe, be smart, play your part.