In this episode of Family Guidons, hosts Michelle Matheny, Charlotte Stilwell and Kathy Bridgers tackle one of the biggest challenges military families face today: staying connected online while also staying safe. In a world of fast news, viral posts, and constant access, they share practical tips for OPSEC, protecting your family’s privacy, setting healthy boundaries, and keeping your peace online—especially during deployments.

Links:

Email: [email protected]

ready.gov

Defining Daily Victories During a Military Deployment: Navigating the Holidays - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH6GukafBcg

Handling Travel During Deployment of Your Service Member - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62jataTay1g

00:00 intro

03:10 Social media as a lifeline during deployments

04:30 How military connection used to look (before social media)

06:15 Staying connected across moves and duty stations

09:40 Personal story: deployment stress + quick updates bringing peace

14:10 How online visibility impacts family safety and peace

15:40 OPSEC basics: what not to post (dates, locations, identifiers)

19:10 Being careful with what you share verbally, too

20:30 Talking to family members about OPSEC boundaries

22:10 Social media safety tips: geotagging, privacy, followers

25:40 Teaching kids online safety and posting boundaries

27:10 Listener email: preparedness, awareness, and family protection

30:10 Handling nosy questions + setting boundaries with others

32:30 Protecting your emotional health and mental peace online

38:00 Closing thoughts: control what you can control

South Carolina National Guard / https://www.scguard.ng.mil/

Youtube / scnationalguard

Facebook / scguard

Instagram / official_scguard

Twitter / scnationalguard

Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/

DVIDS / https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/SCNG