Mediaboss Marketing

9 March 2013 Last updated at 03:43 ET

Pupils in Wales could soon get advice on avoiding the pitfalls of using social media and prevent damaging their future career prospects.

A pilot scheme will give tips on avoiding posting compromising or embarrassing photos on sites such as Facebook or Twitter.

It will include advice on protecting personal information and staying safe.

This week the Welsh government asked councils to allow pupils more access to social networking sites.

The pilot scheme is being run by the office of the information commissioner, a UK body which promotes data privacy as part of its role.

It's trying to make sure that they deal appropriately - that they don't give it away to the wrong people, that they keep it safe where it needs to be kept safe

The move is about being more proactive, the commissioner's Welsh official says.

"We've had experience of cases where people have maybe applied for jobs and something they've done in their past or they've put up on Facebook has actually stopped them from getting that job," said Anne Jones, the assistant information commissioner.

"We all know that employers tend to search for these things online and it certainly has been happening and I'm sure it will happen again in the future."

Link:
Social media advice for pupils