Social Media: how to use it safely
Summary
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides clear, practical advice on managing privacy and security across major social media platforms. The guidance covers platform-specific privacy settings, the importance of two-step verification (2SV), how to be aware of your digital footprint, spotting and reporting fake or hacked accounts, and advice for keeping children safer online. It also links to official help pages for Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat and TikTok.
Key Points
- Use privacy settings on each platform to control who sees your posts and personal information.
- Enable 2-step verification (2SV) to add a strong extra layer of account protection.
- Be mindful of your digital footprint: limit what you post and who can access it to reduce identity theft and phishing risk.
- Watch for signs of fake or hacked accounts (new accounts, odd names, low engagement) and report them to the platform.
- Children should be supervised: most services require users to be 13+, but ages can be misreported — use parental guidance resources linked in the guidance.
Context and relevance
Social media is ubiquitous for keeping in touch and following news, but it also exposes personal data that criminals and opportunists can exploit. This NCSC guidance pulls together platform links and straightforward rules of thumb to reduce your risk. It’s particularly useful for families, everyday users and anyone responsible for basic online safety within an organisation.
Why should I read this?
Short answer: because a quick tidy-up of your settings and switching on 2SV can stop someone ruining your day. This guide gives the exact links and steps you need without you having to hunt around each platform. We’ve done the legwork — follow the few quick fixes and you’ll be a lot safer online.
Source
Source: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/social-media-how-to-use-it-safely