Safety Tips

For Users

While social media Web sites such as Yomod.com are a fun way for you and your friends to interact and share videos, photos, games and blogs, they also can increase your exposure to people with less than friendly intentions. Yomod's mission is to provide you with an environment in which you do not have to deal with these losers. Whether on Yomod.com or another Web site, here are some things you can do stay safe online:

1. The most important thing we can tell you is to trust your gut if you have suspicions. You are smart. If you feel threatened by someone or uncomfortable because of something online, there is probably a good reason.

2. Think about how different Web sites work before deciding to join a Web site. Some Web sites, like Yomod.com, allow only a defined community of users to access posted content; others allow anyone and everyone to view postings.

3. Never give your real last name, address or telephone number to anyone; if someone asks for this information (or for your password), don't respond, log off and tell a trusted adult.

4. Make sure your user name doesn't say too much about you. Even if you think it makes you anonymous, it doesn't take a genius to combine clues to figure out who you are and where you can be found. Also, be careful about posting information that could be used to identify you or locate you offline. This could include the name of your school, sports team, clubs and where you work or hang out.

5. Post only information that you are comfortable with others seeing and knowing.

6. Talking with strangers online could have serious consequences. Some people lie about who they really are. Just as you stay away from strangers on the street, be careful about strangers on the Internet. Yomod.com helps because only people you accept as "buddies" can talk to you; make sure your Yomod buddies are really buddies!

7. Never agree to meet with someone you've talked with on the Internet without asking permission from your parents first.

For Parents

Yomod's goal is to be the premier safe social media Web site for the youngest people on the Internet. We want Yomod to help parents keep their kids safe online. Here are some tips for helping your kids use any Web site safely:

1. Communication is key. Talk to your kids about their online habits. Tell them why it's important to keep their name, Social Security number, address, phone number and family financial information to themselves.

2. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires Web sites, including Yomod.com, to get parental consent before they collect, maintain or use personal information from children under 13 year old. This is why we ask for parents' credit card details at member registration.

3. Your kids should post only information that you and they are comfortable with others seeing and knowing.

4. Warn your kids about the dangers of talking with strangers online.

5. Tell your kids to trust their gut if they have suspicions. If they feel threatened by someone or uncomfortable because of something online, they need to tell you.

6. Always read Web site privacy policies. Some Web sites may share information like your child's e-mail address with other companies, which could generate spam and even spyware on the family computer. Web site privacy policies or other posted links for parents also may contain contact information for you to ask about your child's personal information.

Please check this page frequently for updates on safety.  If you have any questions or suggestions, please e-mail us at safety@yomod.com.  We work closely with parents to help make Yomod.com safe and fun for kids.