Staying safe on social media

The risk of abuse on or as a result of the internet is a very real issue – particularly for vulnerable adults. Online bullying, identity theft and people falsely trying to befriend strangers to take advantage of them does occur.

However, social media platforms are an increasingly essential part of our lives, and offer a great way for Headway groups and branches and their members to connect with others. While the vast majority of people have an enjoyable and positive experience, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers and follow some easy steps to stay safe.

Things to consider on social media – tips for individuals

  • Respect other people.In other words, be nice! It's OK to have a debate and share opinions on social media, but make sure you're always polite and don't insult, intimidate or harass people.
  • Be aware – social media platforms are a public forum.Don’t post anything illegal or offensive. Don’t accept messages or friend requests from unfamiliar people. Don't talk about your daily movements, such as where you'll be at a specific time and date. Be careful when discussing details of family and friends - they may not want their personal stories online. Do not respond to, and immediately report, any posts or private messages that ask for personal details or money.
  • Check your privacy settings. People post large amounts of information on their social media accounts, and it is important to ensure this is not easily accessible to others. Review your privacy settings – we recommend you use the highest level of privacy, ensuring nobody but your own friends can see your personal information, posts and photographs. On networks that do not offer privacy settings such as Twitter, be extra-careful about what you post.
  • Report abuse.All major social networks and messaging services include facilities to report inappropriate content. If posts or messages are illegal, including content that relates to abuse or exploitation of a child, it should be reported to the police. Do not be ashamed or embarrassed to report abusive content – doing so protects both yourself and others.
  • Respect copyright.You can share images posted to social media, but if uploading them yourself make sure you have the permission of the original creator and/or the people who appear in the image before doing so. If you copy text from another source, make sure you say where you got it from.

Things to consider on social media – tips for Headway groups and branches

While we cannot stop all online abuse from happening, there are measures we can take to make Headway social media spaces as safe as possible, protecting both our reputation and our members.

  • DONOT allow people to post personal information on your Facebook and Twitter pages that could in any way compromise their safety, such as:
  • News on personal compensation awards
  • Announcements that they are going on holiday
  • Requests for friendship outside of the confines of the controlled online environment of your social media website
  • Other sensitive personal information, such as telephone numbers, home addresses. The only exception to this is business contact details, but only with your permission.
  • DO circulate the tips for individuals to your members to ensure they are aware of the potential issues and steps for staying safe. Offer them support if they are unsure.
  • DO ensure any social media space you run is regularly monitored to ensure nothing inappropriate is posted.

Remember, anyone who joins your Facebook page, for example, can post things on the page. Make sure you make at least two people, preferably office-based, who can act as administrators of the page to ensure it is regularly monitored and inappropriate messages can be removed immediately.

  • DO NOTallow third parties to advertise on your social media pages without your express permission.
  • DO maintain a stringent control over the official message you post on your social media sites.

While your Facebook or Twitter page will be individualised to represent your own Group or Branch, it is important all Headway Groups and Branches and Headway UK give consistent messages, particularly in key policy areas such as cycle helmets and boxing.

To the general public – and the media – Headway is one organisation. Any official messages posted by a Headway Group or Branch on a social media site could be used by the media as an official statement or position. To this end, Groups and Branches have a responsibility to ensure all content is carefully considered before being posted online. If in any doubt as to the suitability of content for a social media site, please contact the Headway UK Communications Manager.

In addition, Headway Groups and Branches must comply with all the requirements of the Rules of Affiliation and Branch Constitution respectively.

What constitutes an inappropriate post

This is, to a large extent, an issue of common sense. Anything that is abusive, aggressive or inflammatory in nature is inappropriate. In addition, the following should be deemed inappropriate:

  • Any messages asking for personal information
  • Any messages giving personal information, including details such as compensation claims or awards, or details of impending holidays
  • Any requests for people to contact third parties for research purposes unless approved by the Group or Branch
  • Any advertising of products or services by third parties
  • Any offensive, abusive or inflammatory words
  • Anything that could damage the reputation and good standing of Headway

What to do if someone posts something inappropriate

If any negative or inappropriate messages are posted on your Facebook page, you have the power to remove them.

Remove any offending posts immediately and contact the person who left it to explain why you have done this. To send someone a message, click the ‘Message’ link next to their post – you will need to do this before deleting the post in question.

If the individual continues to post inappropriate messages, you have the power to block them from using the page, although this is a situation that is unlikely to occur.

Useful resources

  • Get Safe Online
    Detailed, accessible guidance on a range of online safety issues, including the use of social media.
  • Child Safety Online
    A practical guide for parents and carers whose children are using social media.
  • Facebook privacy settings and tools
    A guide to the tools Facebook offers for ensuring your privacy on the site.
  • Reporting abuse on some of the most popular social networks:
  • On Facebook:
  • On Twitter:
  • On What’sApp:
  • On Snapchat:

If you would like to discuss any of the issues covered here, please contact Andrew Taylor, Headway’s Website and Social Media Manager, on 0115 924 0800 or