Online Privacy and Safety

• Internet safety involves understanding and mitigating risks online
• Digital literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies effectively
• Online privacy refers to the level of control individuals have over their personal information online
• Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology
• Digital footprints are the data trails left by users online

Online Privacy

• Online privacy encompasses the right to control how personal information is collected and used online
• Personal information includes name, address, email, phone number, IP address, location data, and browsing history
• Privacy settings on social media and other platforms allow users to manage who can see their content and information
• Reviewing and adjusting privacy settings regularly can enhance control over personal data
• Encryption protects data by converting it into an unreadable format
• HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts communication between a browser and a website
• VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) encrypt internet traffic and mask IP addresses
• Be cautious about sharing sensitive personal information on untrusted websites or platforms
• Read privacy policies to understand how websites and apps collect, use, and share data
• Limit the amount of personal information shared online to minimize potential risks
• Be aware of targeted advertising, based on browsing history and personal data
• Use strong, unique passwords for each online account
• Password managers can help generate and store complex passwords
• Be wary of phishing scams that attempt to trick users into revealing personal information
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security
• Regularly review and clear browsing history, cookies, and cache
• Consider using privacy-focused search engines that do not track user activity
• Opt-out of data collection and targeted advertising where possible
• Be mindful of location services settings on devices and apps
• Understand the privacy implications of using public Wi-Fi networks
• Educate yourself about data protection laws and regulations in your region

Cyberbullying

• Cyberbullying involves using digital devices to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone
• Cyberbullying can occur through social media, messaging apps, online games, and other platforms
• Cyberbullying includes posting hurtful comments, spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, and creating fake profiles
• Cyberbullying can have severe emotional and psychological effects on victims
• Recognize the signs of cyberbullying, such as changes in behavior, withdrawal from social activities, and reluctance to use devices
• Do not respond to cyberbullying messages, as this can escalate the situation
• Block cyberbullies and report their behavior to the platform or service provider
• Keep evidence of cyberbullying incidents, such as screenshots and messages
• Talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor
• Support victims of cyberbullying by offering encouragement and reporting the abuse
• Promote positive online behavior and digital citizenship
• Be mindful of what you post and share online, and how it might affect others
• Respect others' opinions and avoid engaging in online arguments or conflicts
• Do not participate in or encourage cyberbullying behavior
• Use privacy settings to control who can see your posts and content
• Report cyberbullying incidents to the appropriate authorities, such as school administrators or law enforcement
• Advocate for anti-cyberbullying policies and programs in schools and communities
• Educate yourself and others about the impact of cyberbullying
• Foster empathy and understanding among peers
• Promote a culture of respect and kindness online
• Be an upstander, not a bystander, and intervene when you witness cyberbullying
• Create a positive and supportive online environment

Digital Footprints

• Digital footprints are the data trails left behind by users' online activities
• Digital footprints can be passive, created without the user's direct action
• Active digital footprints are created when users intentionally share information online
• Examples of active digital footprints include social media posts, online comments, and forum participation
• Examples of passive digital footprints include IP addresses, browsing history, and location data
• Search engines, social media platforms, and websites collect and store data about users' online activities
• Digital footprints affect online reputation and can have long-term consequences
• Employers, college admissions officers, and others may view digital footprints when evaluating candidates
• Be mindful of what you post and share online, as it can be permanent and widely accessible
• Regularly search for yourself online to monitor your digital footprint
• Use privacy settings to control who can see your online content
• Remove or edit inappropriate or outdated content
• Consider using a pseudonym or alias in online forums and communities
• Be cautious about sharing personal information on untrusted websites or platforms
• Use strong, unique passwords and regularly update them
• Review and clear browsing history, cookies, and cache
• Be aware of location tracking and adjust location settings accordingly
• Understand the terms of service and privacy policies of websites and apps
• Think before you post, and consider the potential impact on your reputation
• Promote a positive and professional online presence
• Be responsible for your online actions and behavior
• Understand the implications of your digital footprint and take steps to manage it effectively

Safe Browsing Practices

• Safe browsing practices help protect against online threats and maintain privacy
• Use a secure web browser with built-in security features
• Keep your web browser and operating system up to date
• Install and maintain antivirus and anti-malware software
• Use a firewall to protect your network from unauthorized access
• Be cautious about clicking on links in emails or on websites
• Verify the authenticity of websites before entering personal information
• Look for the padlock icon and "https://" in the address bar to ensure secure connections
• Avoid downloading files or software from untrusted sources
• Use strong, unique passwords for each online account
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security
• Be wary of phishing scams and suspicious emails
• Do not open attachments from unknown senders
• Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media
• Use privacy settings to control who can see your posts and content
• Regularly review and clear browsing history, cookies, and cache
• Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet traffic
• Be mindful of public Wi-Fi networks, which may not be secure
• Use a strong Wi-Fi password and enable encryption on your home network
• Educate yourself about online threats and security best practices
• Report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities

Information Literacy

• Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, and use information effectively
• Identify information needs and formulate research questions
• Develop search strategies to locate relevant information sources
• Evaluate the credibility and reliability of information sources
• Consider the author's expertise, bias, and purpose
• Check for accuracy and evidence-based information
• Compare information from multiple sources
• Recognize different types of information sources, such as books, articles, websites, and databases
• Understand the principles of copyright and fair use
• Cite sources properly to avoid plagiarism
• Use information ethically and responsibly
• Analyze and synthesize information to draw conclusions
• Communicate information effectively in various formats
• Adapt information literacy skills to different contexts
• Stay current with emerging technologies and information resources
• Be critical of information presented online and in the media
• Recognize misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Promote information literacy among peers and in the community
• Understand the impact of information on society and culture
• Engage in lifelong learning to enhance information literacy skills