diff --git a/tailbone/views/master.py b/tailbone/views/master.py
index c4abff36..c86ed252 100644
--- a/tailbone/views/master.py
+++ b/tailbone/views/master.py
@@ -1402,6 +1402,10 @@ class MasterView(View):
         if self.secure_global_objects:
             if not self.has_perm('view_global'):
                 form.remove_field('local_only')
+            elif self.creating:
+                # assume this flag should be ON by default - it is hoped this
+                # is the safer option and would help prevent unwanted mistakes
+                form.set_default('local_only', True)
 
     def configure_mobile_form(self, form):
         """