Whether you’re posting a video of illegal shenanigans, talking smack about a teacher or posting social security numbers for the whole world to see, there are some things you should never do on social media. Here are five things students should stray away from doing on any social sphere they play on.

Posting About Illegal Activities

It’s inevitable, through your high school and college years you’ll be thrown into many situations, both good and bad. Bottom line, once that video or photograph surfaces on social media of last weekend’s drunken debacles, you become vulnerable to very negative consequences – Expulsion, criminal prosecution, life changing costs. And like what Sweet Brown always says, “Ain’t nobody got time for dat.”

Bullying, Posting Threats

Bullying is an ongoing issue that many students unfortunately face. Harsh treatment both physically and mentally can lead to depression, suicide and severe violence. Posting hurtful speech on social media can lead to serious consequences. So not only are you hurting another human being, but you’re hurting yourself.

Posting a threat on social media raises a huge red flag as well. The authorities do monitor social media and if they locate a threat, whether it’s a true threat or someone simply venting, an investigation will follow. In fact, many police departments are including tips received via social media in their investigations. Believe it or not, social media has become a major tool for many police departments. Keep this tidbit in mind next time you’re thinking about posting threatening words from your social accounts.

Publishing Questionable Photographs

Whether you’ve just graduated college and are applying for your dream career, or trying to score a summer job after high school, employers will get the scoop on you from your social media profiles. 

Don’t get me wrong, your profile can show off the fun-loving, free-spirited individual you may be, but it should also accentuate your sense of responsibility, professionalism and maturity.

Although privacy settings exist, they can only do so much. Try to go through your photos and snapshots you’ve been tagged in and get rid of any photo you wouldn’t want a future employer to see – like that beer bong “selfie” from freshman year, that’s got to go, at least from the social media sphere.

Talking Smack About Teachers

If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, don’t tweet or post it either. By posting negative, incriminating comments or false accusations about an educator you’re sacrificing people’s feelings and ultimately hurting yourself. A teacher or professor can help you further your education, jumpstart your future after college – so why burn that bridge?

Releasing Confidential Information

Don’t rely on privacy settings 100%, especially when it comes to confidential information. Whether we like it or not, Internet predators and identity thieves exist. Don’t let yourself be vulnerable to those types of people. Protect personal information – your social security number, home address, cell phone number are a few pieces of information that shouldn’t be added to you profile to ensure your safety.

Social media is an amazing tool, but it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts. Sharing the news about your wedding engagement – do. Tweeting about how you and some friends snuck into the school gym to give it an “interior makeover” – don’t