Instagram Follow Up

We're on week two of Instagram and I have a few observations I wanted to share. 

Walk to School Day!

As I discussed in class and on the last post, I encourage students to follow me. Once I invite student participation, they become primary audience. My profile is public so anybody can see our interactions. However, don't be offended that I won't follow you back. It's nothing personal. I'm your teacher and I don't need instant access to everything you post. If you want me to see one of your pictures, all you have to do is tag me in it. That way you can choose what I see.

Here's a couple of things that I've noticed this week:

• Your profile really should be marked private. You may include other kids in your post or your location. That information shouldn't be public. 
• Some of you have a lot of followers. Generally, it's safer to limit the people who follow you to people you know off-line. There's always exceptions, friends of friends, celebrities, authors, etc. But if you're someone who posts a lot of pictures, you could be giving strangers a lot of access to your life. 
• Finally, it's an online community but it's still a community. Be a good member of the community. Observe the world, take cool pictures, choose a filter. 

There certainly isn't a shortage of social networks and they're not going anywhere. You should be learning how to use them, but above all, you need to stay safe. That's what your parents are there for. The best rule of thumb: don't ever post anything you wouldn't want you mom to see!