Social Media

Staying Safe on Social Media Platforms

Social media can be a valuable tool for survivors to find resources, community, and support. But it can also be used to control, manipulate, and abuse. Posting updates and life highlights is exciting and fun, but it also gives people direct access to you. It reveals what you like, where you go, and sometimes what you fear.

Before the internet, abusers most often relied on being physically close. Now, they can reach victims from anywhere in the world. Our goal is to arm you with information and resources to keep you safe during and after abuse.

The Location Setting

Many social media platforms have a "location" setting that shows where you are in real time. Abusers often use this setting to stalk, track, and locate victims in real time.

Images you share online can be used to control, blackmail, and threaten. Private images especially put people at risk for blackmail and revenge porn.

Online Gaming Platforms

Online gaming platforms are another way abusers reach people. Children and teens are especially at risk for grooming through gaming and social media.

Keep Yourself Safe

1. Turn off tracking and location settings

2. Avoid posting images while you are still at that location

3. Be cautious of posting content with signs, logos, and landmarks

4. Keep social media accounts private

5. Report and block unknown users

6. Create new accounts if leaving an abusive relationship

7. Change passwords and usernames if you are unable to make new accounts

8. Avoid using common hashtags that reveal your location

9. Report harmful and suspicious activity

For Teens and Kids

1. Talk openly about online safety

2. Monitor and supervise screen time

3. Keep their accounts private and limited to people you trust

Social media should be a place for connection, community, and safety, not fear.