Online social networks have become so central to teens’ lifestyles that some would consider their ability to access them during working hours when weighing up a job offer. In a recent survey, more than half (58 percent) said they would consider their ability to access social networks at work when considering a job offer from a potential employer. Anyone who is a parent of teenagers will probably not be surprised by this.

According to the survey of 17-year-olds conducted by Junior Achievement, nine out of 10 teenagers use social networks every day, with 70 percent saying they participate in social networking an hour or more daily. I can certainly testify that this happens in our house!

However more than a third of respondents said they did not consider the reactions of admission officers, future employers or their parents when posting content. Well why would they, they are kids after all. However, 16% admitted to blatantly unethical behavior such as “posting content embarrassing to others, spreading rumors and pretending to be someone other than themselves.”

Ainar D. Aijala, global managing partner, Consulting, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu rightly points out “Teens who will soon be entering the workforce must understand the value of their ‘personal brand,’ that their online postings live in perpetuity.”

Social networks may be ‘a bit of fun’ but what we post on the internet lives forever. Think before you press ’send’.