1.1 Privacy, safety, data

Online privacy means keeping your personal information safe when you're using the internet. Whether you're playing games, watching videos, chatting with friends, or doing schoolwork, keeping your personal information private is an absolute must.

Imagine it like leaving your front door open all day. Anyone could walk in, look around, or even take your stuff. That’s what it’s like when you don’t protect your online privacy.

What is privacy and data?

Privacy means keeping some information about you safe and only sharing it with people you trust.

Data is the information you give out when you sign up for apps, websites, or games.


Why it matters

Protecting your privacy keeps you safe from strangers and scams.

  • It helps you keep control over your personal life.

  • It stops companies from using your info in ways you don’t want.

Protect your privacy

  • Think before you share
    Would you want a teacher, parent, or stranger to see this?

  • Use strong passwords
    Make them hard to guess. Mix letters, numbers & symbols. Never share them.

  • Check your privacy settings
    Keep your accounts private and only allow people you know.

  • Say “No” to suspicious links or pop-ups
    If it seems weird or too good to be true, it probably is.

  • Ask for help
    If you're unsure about something online, talk to a trusted adult.

Tips for social media

  • Go private
    Make your social media profiles private NOW. This is your best shield! Only approved friends can see your stuff.

  • Turn location off
    Turn off location services for all social media apps. Never ever share where you are.

  • Never meet up
    Never agree to meet someone you only know online. If you ever feel you must, always tell a trusted adult, meet in a public place with others, and take that adult with you.

  • Friends requests
    Only accept requests from the people you personally know and trust. Block and report anyone who is mean or inappropriate towards you.

  • Don’t just believe it
    People can lie about who they are. If someone is pressuring you or asking weird questions, be super cautious.

Privacy, safety, data

  • Overview
    What is digital intelligence?

  • 1.1 Privacy, safety, data
    1.2 Digital footprint
    1.3 Phishing, scams, hacking
    1.4 Passwords, usernames, profiles
    1.5 Sexting, revenge porn
    1.6 Search engines

  • 2.1 How it works
    2.2 It’s not reality
    2.3 Doomscrolling
    2.4 Comparison culture
    2.5 Legal & ethical understanding
    2.6 Cyberbullying
    2.7 Harmful content, social trends, reporting

  • 3.1 Terminology
    3.2 Benefits of AI
    3.3 Problems with AI
    3.4 Environmental impact
    3.5 Chatbots, companions, agents

  • 4.1 Fake news
    4.2 Evaluating info, critical questioning
    4.3 Online interactions
    4.4 Algorithms & your attention
    4.5 Bias, echo chambers, filter bubble
    4.6 Deepfakes

  • 5.1 Digital health
    5.2 Sleep
    5.3 Digital detox
    5.4 Phone settings, screen time
    5.5 Digital nutrition
    5.6 Digital wellbeing

Safety & Privacy

Overview

When using your smartphone or the internet, safety and privacy are the most important areas to learn and be mindful of. Just like in real life, you wouldn’t talk to strangers or share personal things with someone you don’t know. It’s exactly the same online. There are people you don’t know on the internet, and some websites or apps might ask for information like your name or location. Keeping this information private helps protect you from people who might not have good intentions.

Staying safe online also means being careful about who you talk to and what you share. Some people might pretend to be someone they’re not, so it’s important to only connect with friends and family that you know in real life. By keeping your personal stuff private and being smart about who you talk to, you can enjoy using your phone and the internet safely.

1.2 Digital footprint

Imagine you’re walking on a beach. Every step you take leaves a footprint in the sand. Online is the same, but instead of sand, it’s the trail of data you leave behind whenever you use the internet.

Your digital footprint can hurt your reputation and shape how others might see you - including friends, family, schools, future employers, strangers online, and companies collecting your data.

A digital footprint can include

  • Photos you post

  • Comments you make

  • Searches you do

  • Likes and shares

  • Info you give to websites or apps

  • Things you buy online

Even things you delete or think are “private” can still be saved or shared by others.

3 second rule

Before you post or comment, pause and ask yourself:

  • Is it true?

  • Is it helpful or kind?

  • Is it something I’ll be proud of later?

If not, skip it!

Smart habits to follow:

Think before you post
Ask yourself: Would I be OK with a teacher, grandparent, or future employer seeing this?"

Keep it kind and respectful
Don’t share or comment on things that could hurt others or it might come back to haunt you.

Check your privacy settings
On social media or apps, set your account to private and control who can see your stuff.

Google yourself
Search your name online to see what’s out there. If something isn’t right, talk to an adult or report it.

Delete what you don’t need
Old apps, accounts, or posts that no longer reflect who you are? Delete, delete, delete!