First Bloom 

By Krishna Pawar on March 17th, 2025

Warm winds nudge the sleepy skies, 

Petals whisper their hellos, 

Grass yawns under melted ice, 

And every corner softly glows. 

We shed the layers we wore too long, 

Our shadows stretch past winter’s end, 

With every step the day feels strong, 

Like time itself begins to mend. 

Hope is quiet, never loud, 

But spring gives it a voice again, 

It grows in tulips, soft and proud, 

And settles gently in the rain. 

The Perfect Zodiac Matches: Which Signs Go Best Together and Why                                                          by PRIYASHA CHATURVEDI on FEBRUARY 7, 2025

Astrology has long been a guide for understanding relationships and compatibility. While every relationship is unique, certain zodiac sign pairings naturally complement each other, creating strong and lasting bonds. Whether you're looking for romance or a deep connection, here are the zodiac matches that thrive together and why they work so well.

1. Aries & Leo: A Fiery Power Couple
Both Aries and Leo are fire signs, bringing passion, energy, and ambition to their relationship. Their shared enthusiasm for life makes them a dynamic duo, always pushing each other to achieve greatness. While their strong personalities may lead to occasional clashes, their mutual respect and attraction keep the spark alive.

2. Taurus & Virgo: A Grounded and Loyal Pair
Taurus and Virgo, both earth signs, value stability, loyalty, and practicality. This couple thrives on routine and dependability, building a relationship based on mutual trust and shared values. Their appreciation for the simple pleasures in life makes their bond unshakable.

3. Gemini & Libra: A Match of the Minds
As air signs, Gemini and Libra have an effortless mental connection. They thrive on intellectual conversations, shared curiosity, and social interactions. Libra's sense of balance complements Gemini's free-spirited nature, making their relationship stimulating and harmonious.

4. Cancer & Pisces: A Deep Emotional Connection
Both Cancer and Pisces are water signs, known for their emotional depth and intuitive understanding of each other. This pair forms a nurturing, supportive relationship where feelings and emotions take center stage. Their ability to connect on a profound level creates a strong, unbreakable bond.

5. Scorpio & Capricorn: A Powerhouse Partnership
Scorpio and Capricorn may seem like an unlikely duo, but their strong determination and deep loyalty make them a powerful couple. Scorpio’s intensity and Capricorn’s discipline create a relationship built on trust, ambition, and shared goals. Together, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

6. Sagittarius & Aquarius: A Free-Spirited Union
Sagittarius and Aquarius are both adventurous, independent thinkers who love exploring new ideas and experiences. Their relationship is filled with excitement, spontaneity, and deep conversations. They give each other space to grow while maintaining a strong and unconventional bond.

Final Thoughts:

While astrology can offer insight into compatibility, successful relationships are ultimately built on communication, effort, and understanding. Whether or not your zodiac signs align perfectly, the best relationships come from mutual respect, love, and shared values. So, whether you're in a perfect astrological match or an unexpected pairing, the key to a lasting connection lies in how you nurture your relationship.

The Commercialization of Valentine's Day: Love or Just Business?

                                                                                                                       by PRIYASHA CHATURVEDI on FEBRUARY 12, 2025. 

Every February 14th, people across the world celebrate Valentine’s Day with grand gestures of love: bouquets of roses, heart-shaped chocolates, candlelit dinners, and sentimental greeting cards. What was once a day to honor St. Valentine, a symbol of love and sacrifice, has evolved into one of the most commercially driven holidays of the year. While many cherish the tradition, others question whether Valentine’s Day has become more about corporate profits than genuine affection.

Valentine’s Day is a multi-billion-dollar industry. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers spend billions annually on gifts, dining, jewelry, and experiences. Greeting card companies, florists, and confectionery brands see some of their highest sales during this period. Marketing campaigns flood social media and shopping centers weeks in advance, urging individuals to express their love through material goods.

Jewelry brands launch exclusive Valentine’s collections, restaurants offer premium-priced ‘romantic’ meals, and even non-traditional sectors, such as travel and technology, cash in by offering couple-oriented experiences and gadgets. The pressure to participate in this economic frenzy is immense, with many feeling obligated to spend excessively to meet expectations.

Critics argue that the commercialization of Valentine’s Day creates unrealistic expectations, particularly in relationships. The heavy emphasis on lavish gifts and extravagant gestures can overshadow the true essence of love and companionship. Social media plays a role in amplifying these pressures, as couples showcase elaborate surprises, making others feel inadequate if their celebrations are not equally grand.

Additionally, the emphasis on romantic love often leaves single individuals feeling excluded. The holiday, which could be an opportunity to celebrate all forms of love (including friendships and self-care!), often reinforces societal norms that prioritize romantic relationships over other meaningful connections.

Despite the commercial aspect, many people still find joy in celebrating Valentine’s Day, whether through heartfelt gestures, handwritten notes, or simple acts of kindness. Some argue that, while businesses capitalize on the holiday, it is ultimately up to individuals to define how they choose to celebrate.

Perhaps the real question is not whether Valentine’s Day is commercialized but whether consumers are willing to shift the focus back to its core meaning: expressing appreciation for the people who matter most, in ways that go beyond price tags and promotional deals. After all, love is not measured by the amount spent but by the sincerity behind every gesture. 

Or maybe, just maybe, I’m just sour that it's been yet another year when I haven’t got a Valentine :)

Valentine's themed movie reccomendations and reviews

                                                                                                                          BY RIDDHIMA CHAKRABARTI

Love is in the air! 

With Valentines day fast-approaching, what better way to spend it than to watch cheesy romantic movies with those close to your heart?! Or, go solo and spend the evening enjoying everything from iconic romantic comedies, that perfectly capture the fleeting emotions of true love. Below is a comprehensive list of films perfect for such a romantic day!

1. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

The famous adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, the movie shows how unexpectedly love can blossom. And who better to show this than the duo whose chemistry has been remembered for years since the release: Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) and Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger). The infamous romance trope where a character is paid to date someone by a character with ulterior motives but ultimately the two love interests prove their love through all betrayals and angry love confessions is portrayed beautifully through the performance of Stiles and Ledger. Another couple whose sweet love story is shown is Cameron James (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik). Other supporting characters provide comedy and make the whole movie a fun experience.

2. Pretty Woman (1990)

Do opposites really attract or is that a facade created by romance movies? The iconic 90s movie shows how love between two unlikely people can survive all tests. In the film, Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) and Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) are two people from very different worlds. While Edward is a successful entrepreneur, Vivian is a prostitute who sparks interest in Edward. The sizzling chemistry between these two has pretty much made this film a cult classic amongst film-watchers. 

3. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

No one was doing rom coms like the early 2000s! This popular movie from 2003 shows the quirky love between Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) and Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey). Andie, a magazine writer, and Benjamin, an advertising executive, start their romance due to a bet and an experiment, with both lovebirds unaware of the other’s ulterior motives. However, each of their facades break away leading them to find their true love for the other. The film is a must-watch for Valentine's Day.

4. She’s All That (1999)

This teen romcom portrays the well-known plotline where a love story starts from a bet. Awkward and low in the social ladder Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook) and top dog of the high school Zack Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.) are an unlikely duo brought together by a bet placed by Zack’s friends. Zack forges a fake friendship with Laney in order to give her a makeover so she can be the glamorous prom queen. She’s All That has everything good: comedy, romance, falling outs and reconciliations.  

5. Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List (2015)

This journey of a movie differs from other rom coms as it aims to show the deeper connections between people, whether they be platonic or romantic. Bestfriends Naomi (Victoria Justice) and Ely (Pierson Fode) navigate life, love and sexuality. The two inseparable platonic soulmates have always held love for each other, even if Ely is into guys. Their friendship is put through the test when they both get tied up with the same guy. The film and its characters show how all types of love are important and the love that friends share and those that lovers share stem from the same love. 

6. 13 going on 30 (2004)

Would you wish to see how your life turns out in 17 years? This beloved 2004 movie has entered everyone’s hearts due to the cute romance and natural chemistry between bestfriends Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner) and Matt Flamhaff (Mark Ruffalo). When Jenna on her 13th birthday makes a wish to turn 30, miraculously it is granted. As she wakes up in her body 17 years later in 2004, she discovers the many changes in her life, most of them leaving her saddened or betrayed. After a tumultuous time as a 30 year old, time reverts back to 1987 with Jenna finding herself back as a 13 year old. She then realises who are the people who really care about her and those who are fake. 

7. 27 Dresses (2008)

Always a bridesmaid, never the bride. A name synonymous with rom coms, this film shows the love blossoming between Jane Nichols (Katherine Heigl) and Kevin Doyle (James Marsden). Jane has 27 dresses from the 27 times she has been a bridesmaid. When she meets the cynical journalist Kevin, their views on marriage clash. However they begin to bond, even while Kevin harbours his own intentions to be more successful at Jane’s expense. However he begins to realise that Jane has permanently taken a place in his heart. The movie shows an unlikely romance and even though a big fallout takes place, the movie ends on a high note. 

8. The Proposal (2009)

Can romance between a boss and their employee really work, especially one that starts with a ruse? Strict and ruthless editor-in-chief Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) and passionate and career-oriented employee Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) are the stars of this rom com. When Margaret is faced with the threat of deportation back to Canada, she finds a loophole and convinces Andrew to marry her so she can stay in the U.S in exchange for a favour which would greatly help Andrew’s professional standing. Their journey back to Andrew’s hometown shapes the narrative as the boss and employee realise that their relationship which started with a sham has turned to something more. All in all, the movie provides hilarious moments yet a heartfelt romance. 

9. The Ugly Truth (2009)

Not all love stories start with two people madly in love. A believer in true love, Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl) is a TV show producer who butts heads with Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler) the anchor of a local show when he is invited to do a segment on her morning show. Their views on love contrast creating tension in their relationships which dissolves into romance. The movie shows how two different people can come together and learn to love each other. 

10. Notting Hill (1999)

This award-winning film is a cult classic amongst rom com enjoyers. Famous actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) is under constant scrutiny from paparazzi and the public. The roots of a romance takes place when she meets bookstore owner William Thacker (Hugh Grant). Their love story is punctuated with many troubles due to scandals and misunderstandings. Their story ends on a happy note though and is a fun watch for viewers. 

ISH Chess Club: from the board and beyond

                                                                                                                            BY SAANVI CHOUDHARY

The wide range of clubs at ISH allow students to explore their own interests, as well as developing important and beneficial skills and creating opportunities with interaction and collaboration with teachers and peers. Among the various clubs at ISH, the Chess Club stands out as a community for developing strategic and intellectual thinking, and collaborating with like-minded peers. Being the biggest club at ISH, the Chess Club has reached almost x members and has participated in various competitions. Chess, a timeless game, is played in almost every part of the world. Chess is not just about moving pieces on a board, or winning and losing: it exercises the brain, develops problem solving skills and even builds confidence!

Chess was originally invented in India almost 1500 years ago. Chess was considered a royal game, played by kings and military strategists in order to develop and improve their sharpen their minds, more specifically for improving war strategy. The pieces initially represented common military units in warfare, representing the military setup. Practicing chess regularly helps improve problem solving skills, concentration and patience. Chess is an excellent brain exercise for students in particular, as it boosts one's strategic thinking and logical planning.

The Chess Club was initially founded by Mr. Winkler in 2022. Back then, there were minimal running clubs at ISH, and Mr. Winkler was looking to start a club which would allow him to share his own interests and help students develop skills. After talking to and observing different students of different grade levels, Mr. Winkler decided on taking the initiative to run a club for chess. Along with his colleague Ms. X, he had observed that many students were taking an interest in the game, and he saw this as an opportunity to help them explore and develop new skills and enhance their talent and abilities. It started off with only a few students, but over time, the club gained momentum and more and more students started taking an interest in the club and the game itself. The chess club welcomes students of all grade levels and chess levels: from complete beginners who want to work on the basics to seasoned players looking to better their strategies and compete. The members are also on very different levels of proficiency, and remark that collaborating with other, like-minded peers with the same interest helps them evaluate and improve their own abilities. 

The ISH chess club has participated in various different competitions and tournaments, both in real life and online. Yes2Chess is an online chess tournament hosted each year, and students from chess clubs in many schools compete with students from other schools. There are many different levels to the competition, and the prize for 1st place is a sum of 20000 SEK. Notably, the MYP2 chess team won the second place prize in the Yes2Chess tournament in 2024. The ISH chess club has also collaborated with Västra Berga skolan twice, giving students from both schools an opportunity to test their skills against new people, learn new techniques and gain a deeper understanding of their own skills and abilities. 

In conclusion, chess is a versatile game and activity that helps work on a variety of skills: such as logical thinking, strategic planning, concentration, etc.. The ISH Chess Club provides students of all years with opportunities to better their skills, collaborate with peers and partake in tournaments and competitions. Overall, by participating, students can not only enhance their chess skills, but also develop and improve valuable life skills and apply them to real life situations.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your love and appreciation for your significant other. Shopping for anything, especially as a student, for a person who means so much to oneself often tends to be a bit hard on the wallet. But grand gestures don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Whether you're shopping on a budget or prefer a personal touch, here are some thoughtful and affordable gift ideas for both him and her, including easy DIY options that make for memorable presents!

For Him

1. Personalized Memory Jar

   • Write down special memories, reasons why you love him, or future date ideas on small notes.

   • Place them in a decorated jar for him to read whenever he needs a little pick-me-up.
     
     

2. Customized Playlist or Mixtape

   • Compile a playlist of songs that remind you of your relationship.

   • Present it with a handwritten note explaining why each song is meaningful.
     
     

3. Homemade Snack Box

   • Fill a decorated box with his favorite homemade treats such as cookies, spiced nuts, or chocolate-covered pretzels.

For Her

1. Handwritten Love Letter or Booklet

   • Write a heartfelt letter or create a small booklet filled with love notes, poems, or messages.

   • Decorate it with doodles or stickers to add a personal touch.
     
     

2. DIY Spa Kit

   • Make a self-care set with homemade bath salts (mix Epsom salt, baking soda, and essential oils) and a sugar scrub (sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla extract).

   • Package them in glass jars with ribbon and a cute label.
     
     

3. Photo Scrapbook or Collage

   • Print out photos of special moments and create a scrapbook or framed collage.

   • Add captions, stickers, and notes to make it extra meaningful.
     
     

4. Homemade Scented Candle

   • Melt soy wax flakes in a double boiler, mix in a few drops of essential oil, and pour into a small glass jar with a wick.

   • Let it set, then decorate with twine or ribbon for a cozy and thoughtful gift.

Final Thoughts

 Valentine’s Day gifts don’t need to break the bank to be meaningful. Whether you choose to DIY or find budget-friendly alternatives, the most important thing is the thought and effort behind your gift. A little creativity and love go a long way in making your significant other feel truly special.

Innovation in Action: Spotlight on Our School's UF Companies

                                                                                                                BY TRISHNA NAIR

In today’s world, the spirit of entrepreneurship is more alive than ever as the values of innovation, independence, and creativity are celebrated, encouraged, and nurtured. At ISH and other schools in Sweden, this is fostered through the UF (Ung Företagsamhet) programme, a branch of the Junior Achievement global organization. As a non-profit organization, its aim is to train high school students about entrepreneurship and how to effectively run a company whilst cultivating creativity, responsibility, and innovation. This programme lasts 1 year spanning DP1 where you will have the opportunity to create, run, and ultimately dissolve your own business in groups of 3-4. Throughout this process, you will have a chance to develop your entrepreneurial, marketing, creativity, and leadership skills, and will be endowed with a certificate to mark your achievements. Students participating in this programme this year view this as an invaluable opportunity as it is a significant stepping stone towards future careers in business. This year, ISH is proud to present 6 UF companies selling products varying from baked goods to second-hand clothing, and this diverse range of businesses launched showcase the students’ passion, creativity, and diligence and will be detailed further in this article. 

Dough Delight 

Introducing Dough Delight, a delectable UF company specializing in deliciously home-made baked goods such as brownies, rice krispies, and chocolate chip cookies crafted from high-quality ingredients that leave individuals craving more and more with every bite. Committed to sustainability, dough delight uses organic ingredients and locally sourced ingredients. They sell their products during school events such as open houses, progress talks, etc but also take pre-orders of any sizes whether it be for a grand event or simply for a personal indulgence. This UF company is co-founded by Trishna Nair, Savea Ang, and Swastik Devata. The image above displays the mouthwatering products sold by this company. Planning an event? Or just want to treat yourself to something irresistible? Dough Delight’s got your craving covered! 

Make sure to follow them on Instagram @doughdelight.uf to follow their progress and email them at doughdelightuf@gmail.com to place your orders! 

Fit-Bar’s 

Introducing Fit-Bar’s, a company dedicated to combining fitness and snacking. They sell delicious bars that are simultaneously nutritious and satisfying allowing you to snack on something good for you. Made from high-quality ingredients, you won’t be able to stop at just one and will want to savour every last crumb. Similar to the other UF companies, Fit-Bar’s will also sell their products during school events like progress talks, open houses and will collect pre-orders. This UF company is co-founded by Rishit Bhargava, Aarush Sharma, and Sean Saduma, all of whom have a passion for fitness and health. The image to the left showcases the enticing snack bars sold by this company. Who said healthy snacking has to be boring? Want to snack on something delicious without feeling guilty about neglecting your health? Make sure to pre-order some of these snack bars for yourselves by emailing rishit.bhargava@utb.helsingborg.se and by following them on instagram @fit_bars_uf to see their progress. 

Christaline UF 

Presenting Christaline UF, a business that produces mugs with personalized prints which allows customers to create their own designs tailored to their own unique tastes. Imagine waking up in the morning with a mug that is as unique as you are- a great way to start your day. The only task the customer is required to do is send an image with high contrast to one of the co-founders, and soon your custom mugs will be delivered to you. They also offer a cheaper alternative where the customer can choose between the 3 pre-made designs made by Sofya Oshchepkova, which can be seen in the image above. The image above also demonstrates a prototype of their product adorned with the ISH logo. The co-founders of this company are Auréja Paltanaviciute, Sofya Oshchepkova, and Synthia Sahayam Packiaraj. This company will be taking pre-orders during school event like open houses, progress talks, and can also be contacted for pre-orders via this email: aureja.paltanaviciute@utb.helsingborg.se

SecondHandXclusive

Presenting SecondHandXclusive, a company dedicated to sustainability by giving clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry “a second life”. Want to look chic without breaking the bank? Look no further than SecondHandXclusive as this eco-friendly company sells fashionable second hand designer clothes and other accessories for an affordable price. This company is co-founded by Mariyya Alkafri and Kaleya Marley Sol Rattray and they will be selling their products during school events like progress talks and open houses. The image to the left is a glimpse of some of their trendy designer products. Make sure to follow them on instagram @secondhandxclusiveuf to know more about their products and contact them via the following email: Secondhandxclusive@gmail.com

The Cookie’s Edge 

Presenting another home-made baked good company: The cookie’s edge! This company specializes in a wide range of delicious cookies such as cinnamon cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and sugar cookies made from high quality ingredients that promise an unparalleled taste experience. Similar to the other UF companies, this company will sell their products during school events such as the progress talks and open houses and are also open to collecting pre-orders. The image to the left displays some of the products being sold by the Cookie’s Edge. This company is cofounded by Shriyadit Koramangala, Isak Kasper Carlsson, and Ibrahim Ebeid. Don’t miss out on these delectable cookies by placing your orders today by emailing shriyadit.koramangala@utb.helsingborg.se. 

Luxscent 

Last but not least, presenting Luxscent, a candle company selling a wide range of scented candles which are handcrafted using high-quality supplies. This company will be selling their products during school events like progress talks and open houses and during festivals outside of school. They also collect pre-orders where the customers can customize their own unique candles by choosing the shape, colour, and scent of their dreams. This company is co-founded by Krishna Ganesh Pawar, Riyadevi Mudaliar, Anisha Behera, Medha Sridar and Sraavya Gannavarapu, all of whom value sustainable products and therefore create their candles using natural ingredients. Want to enhance the mood of your home? Or lift and relax your mood? These candles with their pleasant aroma will do just that! Make sure to follow their instagram account @luxscent.uf to find out more! 

As is evident with the range of UF companies discussed in this article, the UF programme ignites the passion of entrepreneurship within young individuals and reinforces creative thinking, responsibility, leadership, risk taking, collaboration and responsibility, all of which are characteristics that align with the IB programme. By supporting these brilliant companies, you will not only be contributing to their success but will also be helping foster a vibrant community of young entrepreneurs. We urge you to check out these businesses and who knows? You might just discover some new products that become your favourites! 

   Safe Online Communication

                                                                                                                       BY BIDEEPTA HAZRA AND AVNI KUMBHARE

The internet is like a gigantic playground, a place where we connect with friends, explore interests, and share our stories. But just like any playground, it’s important to be aware of potential dangers and learn how to protect ourselves against these hazards.

What is digital safety?

Just as how we need safety gear while playing a sports match, we also need safety while navigating the internet. Digital safety is the procedure when one protects themselves from potential cyber threats like securing their identity, personal information etc. Digital safety isn't just for tech experts or young users —it's essential for literally everyone who interacts with the internet. It doesn’t matter whether you're posting on social media, shopping online or just browsing the web, you are still a part of the risk. A key component of digital safety is recognizing potential online danger before it is too late to maintain privacy and security across digital platforms. 

Practicing digital citizenship responsibly is a primary principle of being safe on the internet. There are several focus areas of digital safety such as the ones below: Preventing cyberattacks Avoiding identity theft Protecting against online harassment Managing personal data privacy Recognizing and avoiding harmful online content Digital safety is more than just technical protection, it’s about using comprehensive online protection strategies and being proactive about one's digital safety. Taking a couple of simple immediate steps is vital for this problem and can significantly reduce one's risk of getting attacked while navigating this online dimension.

Why it’s important in today’s digital world:

Why must everyone who uses digital devices must be secure online? Well, there are numerous potential risks of ignoring digital safety that have enough power to change your entire life. The digital landscape is filled with risks such as malware, ransomware and phishing scams. The mitigation of these cyber threats are crucial or else your online reputation could be permanently damaged by malicious content like fake social media posts or manipulated images. Personal data may get exposed and lead to identity theft, fraud and unauthorized access to sensitive data (e.g. sextortion) which may be used later for blackmailing or other criminal motives. Companies and organizations may suffer from reputation damage as customer trust erodes, and legal repercussions follow, potentially leading to heavy fines or even closure.

All of these risks are just a small part of the bigger threat circle. Digital safety matters because it protects one’s personal information from theft, saving them from a lot of potential risks. It also ensures prevention from financial fraud and other types of cyber attacks which can affect every single aspect of your life, from privacy to security.

Moreover, financial loss is at stake as with the prevalence of online banking and e-commerce, financial assets and transactions can easily be intercepted or manipulated. That will leave victims vulnerable to fraudulent activity, having their accounts drained and this might potentially also lead to long-term financial hardship. Finally, digital devices themselves could become the target of attacks—smart home devices or internet-connected cars could be hacked, giving criminals control over your environment or even compromising your physical safety.

What is Social Media?

Everyone has most likely heard of social media and more than half of the world have it as their primary digital platform to spend their time on. As of October 2024, almost 63.8% of the world's population uses social media. That is approximately 5.07 billion people around the globe spending 2h 20 minutes daily on an average on a digital platform. But do all of its users know the definition of this vast digital platform? Probably not. It is a simple idea where this computer based technology facilitates interactive communication and content sharing (sharing of ideas, thoughts, opinions etc.) among users through virtual networks and communities. Its primary focus is to share user-generated content like texts, photos and videos within societies and globally which assist in uniting and connecting individuals and groups. Social media represents websites and applications focused on communication, community interaction, content sharing and collaboration.

Some popular platforms widely acknowledge and used everyday by adolescents is listed below: 

1.Snapchat 

2.Whatsapp 

3.Telegram 

4.TikTok 

5.Instagram 

6.Youtube 

7.Sport Apps 

8.Facebook 

9.Pinterest 

10.Discord 

11.Twitch

How To Navigate The Internet Safely: Setting Boundaries and Identifying Risks:

Setting clear boundaries and understanding potential risks is required to surf the internet freely and safely. High percentages of tweens (58%) and teens (75%) encounter explicit or violent content, which can influence their behaviour and self-image negatively. This is why your online presence requires an establishment of clear boundaries such as the ones listed below

1. Limit what you share with others: How much personal information you disclose online is a potential risk to be mindful of. Always pay attention to avoid sharing sensitive details (anything from your full name and phone number to your financial information) on public platforms, unsecured websites and even to the people you think you know. 

2. Control privacy settings on your device: Especially in social media, always remember to take the time to adjust privacy settings so that only the handful people you trust can see your posts, photos etc. Even after adjusting the settings, be cautious about sharing personal information. If necessary to share, make sure the messages are encrypted. 

3. Use a variety of passwords for different accounts: Try not to use the same password across multiple platforms. Instead, consider a smart password manager to generate and store strong passwords.

The awareness of prevalent online threats is vital to ensure avoiding them if they ever occur. They come in a variety of forms and are constantly evolving and changing. Some common online risks are: 

• Phishing attacks: When someone attempts to trick users into revealing their sensitive information. Most common in emails and messages, scammers try to trick you into clicking a link or providing personal information. Always verify the source before clicking any links or opening attachments. 

• Ransomware: This is a malware that enters your systems, encrypts your data, and holds it hostage until you pay the attackers’ ransom. Downloading files, clicking on unknown links, or visiting shady websites can expose you to this threat. You can prevent this by protecting your devices with up-todate antivirus softwares and avoid downloading from untrusted platforms. Don’t click on random pop-ups and links. 

• Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks: Most DDoS attacks are done with botnets and these attacks overwhelm your servers with requests for information, forcing shutdowns. To prevent these attacks, you can use a combination of network firewalls for blocking malicious traffic. 

• Malware: This is a term for any malicious program that enters one’s system that first infects the device and then proceeds to infect the whole network.

Watching out for red flags that may indicate potential threats can reduce your chances of getting affected. Here are some key suspicious activities to be aware of: 

• Random, unexpected messages from strangers with no clear context or relationship. 

• Personal information requests with urgent demands for sensitive data (social security numbers, bank account details, login credentials etc.) Suspicious links where the URL looks altered or strange and unexpected file attachments in emails and messages 

• Questionable websites that lack clear content and no secure HTTPS connection

Managing your digital health is essential to balance your mental wellbeing and physical activity too. Especially for teenagers, the internet can be a timesink. Losing time scrolling on social media is a common problem many have faced that led to procrastination and overall deterioration. Setting time limits to restrict excessive use and tracking how much time you spend on certain platforms is healthy for controlling virtual and physical health. Set your own filters on social media to limit exposure to harmful or toxic content which can negatively impact your psychological health. Always remind yourself to take regular breaks from the internet to live your life outside of the virtual world and avoid the trap of burnout from overexposure to the internet.

Cyberbullying and Prevention Methods

You are probably familiar with the term ‘bullying’. But do you really know what cyberbullying is and its dangerous effects on one’s life? It is a serious issue that currently affects many young people like yourself in this digital age. Using digital technologies to send threatening or harassing messages, doxing, trolling and spreading rumors are all parts of cyberbullying. It can also occur anonymously which makes it difficult to identify and stop the perpetrator. As the victim, you may experience negative academic impacts with poor performance, psychological effects including feelings of self worth and anxiety. In some cases, cyberbullying can lead to suicidal thoughts, chronic fatigue and insomnia and even death. It’s important to note that your immoral actions can have significant impacts on a person’s quality of life and overall well-being. Around 49% of teens face online harassment, including name-calling, rumourspreading, and explicit messages. These interactions can deeply affect mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Learning how to prevent it is an important life skill that is necessary to utilize.

Bullies behind the keyboard are still bullies

Be mindful of your actions to ensure you’re not the one contributing to toxic and harmful online behaviour. If you are the victim of this cruel act or are witnessing it, report it to the school and if you feel it is necessary, law enforcement. Allow adults to handle the situation until it gets better. Online predators actively seek to exploit minors, with studies estimating 500,000 predators are active online daily. Many young users do not report inappropriate contact, and parents may remain unaware. Encouraging those around you about the dangers of sharing personal data can help prevent these incidents. An open communication between trusted adults like guardians should be encouraged as kids should feel comfortable reporting any incidents without the constant fear of punishment.

Some effective prevention methods are listed below: 

• Report Bullying Immediately - Speaking out against cyberbullying when you witness or experience it is vital. Social media platforms mostly have accessible tools to report bullying behaviour. 

• Block or Mute - In any case, you must block or mute the person you think is bullying you instead of engaging with them. 

• Document Evidence - In severe cases, having proof of the bullying (screenshots, saved messages, etc.) can be useful for reporting to authorities or platforms. 

• Speak Up - Don’t be afraid to report bullying. It’s important to take action and not let it slide. Remember, they are destroying your health and future, it’s a now or never situation. 

• Support the Victim: If you're a bystander, supporting the victim can make a difference. Don’t encourage the bully’s behaviour by being silent or passive.

Digital Citizenship and the Impact of Your Digital Footprint

You’re probably already aware that you're a citizen to a specific nation. But did you know that you are also a digital citizen? Digital citizenship is the responsible and ethical use of technology and the internet. It mainly involves understanding how one can navigate the vast internet safely and respectfully. A key aspect of digital citizenship is the impact of your digital footprint. Your digital footprint is the trail of data and content left behind on the internet for example your social media posts and your browsing history. It can have an impact on your reputation, as in it can affect how others perceive you and it could influence personal relationships too. Other risks include a negative impact on future job prospects and may even affect your college applications. These are just a few potential implications which may occur if one does not understand long-term consequences of their digital activities and is unaware of their online actions. Practicing respectable and responsible online behaviour like being mindful of what you share and how you interact with the world is indeed important in order to protect your personal and professional life by maintaining a positive digital presence.

Conclusion: Becoming a Responsible and Considerate Digital Citizen

This article highlights the importance of digital safety and the severe consequences of malicious cyber activities. The significance of secure communication is vital in this digital age because of the several threats posed by the technology. Ensuring that you’re practicing responsible and respectable online habits while staying informed about the numerous potential risks which may affect you and the society you live in is essential for the wellbeing of everyone. Also, being mindful of your actions and digital footprint may assist you to navigate this ginormous digital playground safely. By doing all of this, you protect yourself and provide a secure digital community for everyone.