Most of us regularly use the internet to communicate and share with others via a number of mediums such as instant messaging services, social networking, blogging sites and online gaming. Using such services and networks requires a new form of management in addition to exercising good web safety - Personal Image Management.

Social Media sites, online communities, blog social networks and virtual gaming worlds can be used by us all safely and in privacy to keep in touch with friends, discuss the world we live, play and work in and share photographs and vidoes. However this cyber world can also make us vulnerable to exploitation by others and to be judged by others.

When using such services you must fully understand how to use the service safely to ensure that any information or media you share will only be done so with those you choose it to.

Things to remember:

• Do not share intimate or private information over the web.
• Think before you post; do you really want your family seeing a picture of you on your last night out or your work colleagues knowing your every thought?
• Familiarise yourself with the privacy settings on any services and exercise them!
• Using a pseudonym will not shield you from exposure to real life behaviors such as bullying, stealing, rejection, etc., and your actions in your virtual life can impact on your real life, meaning that your real self could be misrepresented everywhere and persistently.
• Remember that others could be using pseudonyms for all sorts of reasons, be aware and cautious of this.

Manage the information that is available online about you, make sure that what is there reflects the way you wish to present yourself to the world. It has been known for perspective employers to check the social media sites of applicants!

If you are experiencing inappropriate or threatening behaviours occurring online then you can seek advice on web safety and report any such abuse to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection.