Creating a Positive Digital Footprint
Internet safety is important. Since users on websites and apps can remain anonymous, keeping your personal information safe is vital. When other people can retrieve your information, they may try to access your bank accounts, email, and other services, cyberbully or harass you, or post pictures and texts pretending to be you. In 2020, “57.9 % of Canadians experienced a cyber security incident”. (https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=2210014001). Sometimes adults might be predators who pretend to be teens or kids. In addition, any information or pictures you post or text will remain on the web for future employers and others to find.
With so many internet sites to visit. there are many ways users may accidently find themselves being unsafe on line. Some examples include: clicking on unknown links in emails or on websites; providing their age, full name, address or location on websites; and entering their password on a fake site.
There are some general rules to follow to keep people safe on line. “Keeping your accounts safe online starts with choosing secure passwords with a mix of symbols, numbers and capital letters” (https://www.itstimetologoff.com/2018/02/01/how-to-stay-safe-online-10-tips-for-teens/) and remembering to change them often. Checking your privacy settings on apps you use so they don’t reveal your location or other personal information also reduces risk. When using apps (or video messaging) use a nickname instead of your real name. Also, do not get involved with online chats that make you feel uncomfortable or share photos or personal information. Remember to “Think before you post” https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/424816177322115032/.
Personal/Social Competency Reflection
Some of my preferred strategies for maintaining a healthy, balanced online presence include having limited online accounts, thinking before I post something, and not sharing personal information. I also have virus protection on my computer to make sure that bad websites do not infect my computer with viruses or other popups.
I know that my digital footprint can have both positive and negative consequences including impacting others who may read what I posted or future employers who might “Google” me. So, I adjust my actions to think before I post, posting only things that are positive. I do not post on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram accounts or give out any personal information.
I make digital ethical choices such as only using legitimate/well known websites in order to protect my information. I do not sign up for accounts on websites except what is needed for school. I am always thinking about my digital footprint and what information might be on the web about me. I ensure that I have a positive digital footprint that I would not be embarrassed by if a future employer looked at.
Works Cited
Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. Internet Security and Privacy Related Incidents Experienced over the Internet by Age Group. 22 June 2021, https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=2210014001.
“How To Stay Safe Online: 10 Tips for Teens – Digital Detox.” Time to Log Off, 1 Feb. 2018, https://www.itstimetologoff.com/2018/02/01/how-to-stay-safe-online-10-tips-for-teens/.
“Internet Safety Presentations for Teens Available from the AGO. Call 505 222-9000 to Schedule Yo… | Internet Safety, Internet Safety for Kids, Internet Safety Tips.” Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/424816177322115032/. Accessed 26 Apr. 2022.
Online Safety (for Teens) – Nemours KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/internet-safety.html. Accessed 26 Apr. 2022.
“Privacy Tips for Teens.” Stay Safe Online, https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/managing-your-privacy/privacy-tips-teens/. Accessed 26 Apr. 2022.
