Internet Safety

[TeafortheSoul]

Internet Safety

SnitchSeeker is an all-ages site, and we endeavor to keep content on SS family-friendly and kid safe to the same level that is found in the Harry Potter book series itself. While we monitor SS itself to keep it as safe as possible, the community has expanded to other areas of the internet (such as social media, and messaging services) and as such it is important to be mindful about keeping yourself safe on SS and elsewhere online.

1. Keep personal information private.
This means that you should be wary of sharing your full name, your phone number, your address, personal pictures, or your social media information with other SnitchSeeker members, and mindful in general regarding what you share about yourself. Many of our members utilize Skype, Trillian, Whatsapp, Twitter, and Facebook to keep in contact offsite with the friends that they have made within our community. We highly suggest our younger members use the SnitchSeeker contact methods of Private Messages, Visitor Messages, or User Notes where all site rules apply. Please be sure that you have parental permission to engage with SS members offsite.

2. Do not share your log in details with other members.
If you request a password change from an administrator, please change it as soon as possible to something secure that you will remember. Additionally, please choose a strong password, do not choose something easily guessable (don't use your dog's name or your date of birth for instance). A password of at least 8 characters is recommended, with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

3. For our younger members: Tell your parents about SS!
We highly encourage our younger members to tell their parents (or a trusted adult) about us so they feel comfortable with you spending your time with us and understand that we endeavor to be a safe online space for all members. If your parents would like to contact a moderator or administrator (many of whom are parents or teachers themselves!), please PM a newbie moderator (ArianaBlack, FearlessLeader19, MadMadamMalfoy) and we can arrange this for you.

For our older members: Please be mindful of your conduct when interacting with under-18s on SS.
We want this to be a safe environment for everyone. This means that interaction with younger members should be above board at all times, both on site and offsite.

4. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, speak with a trusted adult in real life, or contact a site administrator or moderator (we are here to help!)
Whether this is something that directly breaks our site rules or not, it is always okay to ask for help or advice.

5. SnitchSeeker does not officially condone or encourage meet ups.
While many of our members meet up in real life and become friends, we discourage our younger members from doing so unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. No matter how old you are, you should never meet someone from the internet without taking appropriate safety precautions.

6. Look after your mental well-being.
Be mindful of how much time you spend online. Avoid any interactions which you find triggering or detrimental to your happiness and mental health. Remember that real life always comes first and your time on SS is supposed to be fun.


Internet Safety Resources:
Be Internet Awesome (Google)
Net Safety (Kids Health)
Cyber Safety Interactive guide to staying safe online (open colleges)
Internet Addiction (Mental Health America)