BoyPower: Social Media & Digital Reputation

The TeenThreads Real-Talk hub for protecting your name online — screenshots, privacy, group chats, rumors, “receipts,” and how to build a digital presence you won’t regret.

Screenshots
Group Chats
Privacy
Reputation
Safety
Future-Proof

TeenThreads Reality Check

Your digital reputation is part of your real reputation. Posts, comments, DMs, and screenshots can travel far beyond your control —
and they can last longer than you expect.

BoyPower rule: You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be intentional.

If online behavior turns into threats, stalking, sexual pressure, or ongoing harassment, involve a trusted adult and use report tools.
If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

Need confidential mental health support (U.S.)? Call or text 988 or chat at
988lifeline.org.

Quick Jump

What Digital Reputation Is
Normal vs Not-Normal
Screenshots & Permanence
Privacy Settings That Matter
Group Chats & “Receipts”
Comments, Likes & DMs
Drama, Pile-Ons & “Canceling”
Clean-Up & Recovery
Build a Positive Presence
Staying Safe Online
Reporting & Getting Help
Trusted Resources
30-Question Quiz + Answers

1) What Digital Reputation Really Is

Digital reputation is the “story” people can build about you based on what they see online — and what others share about you.
It includes:

what you post, comment, and repost
what you like, follow, and support
what you DM and how you talk to people
what others post about you (tags, clips, screenshots)
how you handle conflict (maturity shows fast online)

TeenThreads vibe: You don’t need a “brand.” You need good judgment.

2) Normal vs Not-Normal (Digital Life Edition)

Often Normal (Still Needs Boundaries)

posting memes, sports clips, art, gaming wins
changing your style over time (people grow)
having small disagreements that you resolve privately
taking breaks when social media drains you

Not-Normal / Red Flags (Get Help)

threats, stalking, doxxing, or blackmail
pressure to send sexual images or content
someone impersonating you or spreading fake posts
ongoing harassment that won’t stop after blocking/reporting
any situation that makes you feel unsafe in real life

If sexual content involving minors is requested or shared, report it immediately to the platform and tell a trusted adult.

Trusted safety resources:
StopBullying.gov (bullying + cyberbullying)
NCMEC CyberTipline (report online exploitation)

3) Screenshots & Permanence (The “It Can Travel” Rule)

Even “disappearing” messages can be saved using screenshots, screen recordings, or another device.
Privacy should never depend on an app feature.

Assume anything you send can be shared.
Avoid sending messages you’d regret seeing reposted.
Never share someone else’s private content — that’s not “fun,” it’s harm.
If you’re angry, wait before posting. Rage-posts become receipts.

BoyPower rule: If you wouldn’t say it out loud in front of your future self, don’t type it.

4) Privacy Settings That Actually Matter

Privacy isn’t about hiding who you are. It’s about controlling who gets access to your life.
Use settings like a seatbelt: you hope you won’t need it, but you’re glad it’s there.

Set These Now (High Impact)

private account (or limit audience)
approve tags/mentions before they post
limit who can DM you
turn off public location sharing
use strong passwords + unique logins
turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Think Twice Before Sharing

your school name, schedule, or daily routine
your real-time location
family conflicts or private drama
photos of IDs, tickets, or documents
anything you can’t “take back”

Trusted security basics:
CISA Secure Our World (passwords, MFA, safety)
FTC Consumer Advice (scams, privacy, online safety)

5) Group Chats & “Receipts” (Where Good Choices Get Tested)

Group chats can be funny, helpful, and supportive — or messy and harmful. Screenshots and forwarding can turn a “joke” into a problem fast.

Group Chat Code (TeenThreads)

No dogpiling. Don’t attack someone because the group is doing it.
No private sharing. Don’t repost private screenshots to win arguments.
No hate or threats. That’s where consequences get real.
Exit when it turns toxic. Leaving is a skill, not weakness.

Pro move: If a chat is escalating, pause notifications and step away.

6) Comments, Likes & DMs (Small Actions, Big Meaning)

Likes and reposts can look like endorsements.
DM tone can be misread (sarcasm and jokes don’t always land).
Public arguments rarely end well — they usually get clipped and shared.
Respect boundaries in DMs: if someone isn’t responding, stop.

BoyPower rule: If you’re heated, don’t post. Draft it. Walk. Breathe. Decide later.

7) Drama, Pile-Ons & “Canceling”

Online pile-ons escalate fast. Even if you think you’re “right,” joining a mob can damage your reputation and someone else’s mental health.

don’t repost anger just because it’s trending
avoid public shaming and humiliating people
step back before reacting — emotion spreads online
ask: “Is this helping or harming?”

Harassment is not “accountability.” If you see threats or targeted attacks, report it and involve a trusted adult.

Trusted info on violence prevention and safety:
CDC Violence Prevention
StopBullying.gov – What is Cyberbullying?

8) Clean-Up & Recovery (If Something Goes Wrong)

Smart Steps

Pause posting while you think clearly.
Remove, archive, or delete harmful content you control.
Document evidence of harassment (screenshots for reporting).
Use platform reporting tools and block accounts that target you.
If you messed up: own it, apologize, learn, and change your behavior.

Growth beats defensiveness. A real apology includes what you’ll do differently next time.

Trusted youth resources (online safety):
NetSmartz (NCMEC youth online safety education)
NCMEC (MissingKids.org)

9) Building a Positive Digital Presence (Doors Open Here)

Your online presence can help you get opportunities (clubs, sports, scholarships, jobs) when it shows your interests and effort — not drama.

share your skills (sports clips, art, music, coding, volunteering)
be supportive without tearing others down
show consistency (kindness is a flex)
keep your privacy settings tight
build a “portfolio vibe” for your future self

BoyPower mindset: Your name is an asset. Protect it like one.

10) Staying Safe Online (Practical Moves)

Do This

use strong passwords + MFA
block and report harassment
keep accounts private or limited
trust your instincts
tell a trusted adult if something feels wrong

Avoid This

sharing real-time location
meeting online contacts alone
accepting random DMs from strangers
posting when angry or humiliated
sending any sexual content (especially as a minor)

If you ever feel physically unsafe because of something online, contact local emergency services and tell a trusted adult immediately.

11) Reporting & Getting Help (When It Crosses the Line)

You’re not “snitching” when you report threats or exploitation. You’re protecting safety.

Report to the Platform When

you’re being harassed or threatened
someone is impersonating you
private images are shared without consent
someone is trying to scam or trick you

Tell a Trusted Adult / School Staff When

the harassment is ongoing
you feel unsafe at school or outside
there are threats or stalking
your mental health is being affected

Trusted reporting and youth safety links:
NCMEC CyberTipline (report exploitation)
FTC ReportFraud (scams and fraud)
SAMHSA (mental health and support resources)
988 Lifeline (immediate emotional support)

Trusted Resources (Government + Medical + Youth Safety)

These resources are reliable, teen-appropriate, and focused on safety, privacy, and wellbeing.

Tip: Save your top 3 links (StopBullying.gov, CISA Secure Our World, 988) so you can find them fast when life gets messy.

BoyPower Quiz: Social Media & Digital Reputation (30 Questions + Answers)

Use these for learning, group discussions, or a self-check. Answers are short and practical.

Q: What is a digital reputation?
A: The “story” people build about you from your online behavior and what others share.
Q: Do DMs and “disappearing” messages stay private forever?
A: No — screenshots and screen recordings can save them.
Q: What’s the safest assumption about anything you send?
A: It can be shared beyond you.
Q: What’s a high-impact privacy setting?
A: Limiting who can DM you and approving tags/mentions.
Q: Should you share your real-time location?
A: Usually no — it can increase safety risks.
Q: What’s a smart move when you’re angry online?
A: Pause and wait before posting.
Q: Can likes and reposts look like endorsements?
A: Yes.
Q: What’s a “pile-on”?
A: Many people attacking one person online.
Q: Is public shaming a good idea?
A: Usually no — it can become harassment.
Q: What’s one safe group chat rule?
A: Don’t share private screenshots to “win.”
Q: What does “MFA” help with?
A: Protecting accounts even if a password is stolen.
Q: Name one sign something is “not normal” online.
A: Threats, stalking, blackmail, or ongoing harassment.
Q: What should you do first if you’re being harassed?
A: Block, report, and tell a trusted adult if it continues.
Q: What’s a healthy way to build your online presence?
A: Share skills, interests, and positive achievements.
Q: What’s one thing to avoid posting?
A: Your schedule, school details, or private conflicts.
Q: Is reporting threats “snitching”?
A: No — it’s safety.
Q: Where can you learn cyber safety basics from the U.S. government?
A: CISA Secure Our World.
Q: Where can you get help for bullying/cyberbullying?
A: StopBullying.gov.
Q: Where do you report online exploitation?
A: NCMEC CyberTipline.
Q: Where do you report scams/fraud?
A: FTC ReportFraud.
Q: What’s a “digital footprint”?
A: The trail of content and activity you leave online.
Q: What’s a good recovery step after you posted something harmful?
A: Remove/archived it and apologize sincerely if needed.
Q: What makes an apology “real”?
A: Owning the harm and stating what you’ll do differently.
Q: Why is meeting online contacts alone risky?
A: You can’t verify who they are and safety can be compromised.
Q: What’s a smart response to toxic group chats?
A: Mute, step away, or leave.
Q: Name one reason to keep accounts private/limited.
A: You control who sees your life and reduces risks.
Q: What’s the BoyPower mindset about your name?
A: Your name is an asset — protect it.
Q: What number can you call/text in the U.S. for immediate emotional support?
A: 988.
Q: What’s the TeenThreads bottom line?
A: Good judgment online protects your future offline.

TeenThreads Final Word

You don’t need a perfect online image. You need one that reflects respect, judgment, and who you’re becoming.
Protect your privacy. Choose your words. Build a future-proof reputation.

Last updated: February 7, 2026