GAIN events
Simply click on the Facebook icons on this website’s home page to view a Facebook post for a specific GAIN event. No need to register or log in unless you want to do more than have a look at that event. Checking the list of events does require logging in, though.new
Privacy settings
Here is an article about privacy on Facebook. It says that it takes a lot of time to check all of your Facebook settings, and even then, it is not always clear what the right choices are. The author recommends starting with Facebook’s Privacy checkup. She takes you through it step by step. Click icon above to view.new
Many parents value the support they get from Facebook groups. Though if you want to share personal information but have concerns over privacy/safety then you need to spend some time working on your Facebook settings.*
Also, here are a few guides to privacy on Facebook that might be worth a look:updated
- Wikihow has a very clear illustrated presentation of some basic tips for keeping you safe on Facebook. It goes beyond the technical into real life situations.
- Brief guide – It starts by pointing out that Facebook will ask you to share a lot of information so it can link you to friends, but you are under no obligation to provide most of it.
- Visual guide – This describes how Facebook makes money in some detail. It then outlines the facilities that enable you to monitor and manage the data that Facebook collects.
Perhaps it is worth pointing out that although making things visible to friends of friends may be good for networking, it means that some people you do not know will be able to see them too. Restricting them to your own friends would be safer.
Auto-play
It might be worth having a look at the video settings on Facebook. Switching auto-play off might make your browsing experience more tranquil. Click Facebook icon for their own guide for computer users. There are also tabs at the top for Android or iOS users.
Alternatively, see quick guide with a screenshot of Android and iOS. It also saves on data usage.
Alternatively, have a look at this step by step guide with screenshots. It also reduces broadband usage. all updated
Is Facebook safe?
With reports of internet safety failings in general and bad press about Facebook in particular it seems reasonable to be suspicious. Click icon for a brief review. See also: Facebook tips
Have you discovered the option of using two-factor authentication to log in to your account? Facebook can send a one-time confirmation code to your mobile phone.
How private can it be?
If you do not want to make friends on Facebook it is possible to be pretty private.
- Users do not have to give their real name. It is OK to make one up.
- They do not have to give their real date of birth and it can be changed. You may get a few questions from puzzled friends if you use an incorrect date, though.
- It is possible to use Facebook without answering most of their questions. You may see a box on the screen urging you to “complete your profile”. It is OK to ignore it.
- Users can also join Facebook without displaying any photos.
Doing as described above should be enough to enable browsing public Facebook pages freely, e.g. GAIN Facebook page. Many Facebook users post pictures about their family what they have been doing but some hardly post anything at all – which does a lot to protect their privacy.
If a user wants to join a group it would be good post something to help fit in. For example with the GAIN support group something from the GAIN Facebook page would be an idea.
Mark Zuckerberg
As a matter of interest, Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, is said to have a touch of Asperger’s. See article
Safe social networking
People on the Autistic Spectrum, including Asperger’s Syndrome, tend to have restricted social lives. It goes with the territory. Facebook may offer opportunities for the high functioning to develop their social lives and skills, though. Click icon to find out about seeking the possible benefits safely.
Mobile safety
Mobile guide