Digital Citizenship

Digital Citizenship is about responsible use of technology. From protecting your identity to engaging respectfully and ensuring a healthy balance between screen time and the real world, be thoughtful in your use of technology and devices.

Media Well-Being

We all need to think about how we use digital media. The sources and sites we use, what we use them for, how we feel when when we use media, our balance between screen time and real life-- these are all things to consider and reflect on when seeking media well-being. If something about your media usage is causing problems or stress in your life, remember these tips and talk to your guidance counsellor or St. Paul Child & Youth Worker.

Privacy

Your privacy is important, especially online. There are things you can do to ensure that you maintain your privacy and security:

1. Avoid putting your personal details (address, phone number, etc.) online.

2. Change your passwords every few months. Your password should not be easily guessable, and should contain a mix of numbers, letters, and special characters.

3. Use legit, trustworthy websites and apps.

Digital Footprint

A digital footprint is a trail of your online activity. Google yourself-- whatever comes up is the most obvious part of your digital footprint. Friends, peers, colleges, universities, and employers-- literally anyone-- can discover this information. The things you do online can impact your real life! Be thoughtful about what you say and do online, and be careful to protect your identity.

Tips for Protecting Your Digital Footprint

1. Limit the types of data you share

   • The very best way to protect yourself. Is it worth it to fill out that online form?

2. Stay away from unsafe websites

   • Secure sites begin with HTTPS. If it doesn't begin with this, go elsewhere! And do not share any financial information.

3. Don’t enter personal data on public WiFi

   • Don't bank, shop, or do anything sensitive when you're not on your own secure connection.

4. Delete old accounts

   • If you don't use an account, delete it and reduce your vulnerability to breaches.

5. Don’t log in with Facebook

   • It's inconvenient, but make your own log in when you sign in to a site or an app.

6. Limit your sharing on social media

   • Think twice before revealing your location, travel plans, or anything personal.

7. Update your software

   • Criminals use holes in your software to steal your data. New updates patch these holes.

8. Act fast after a breach

   • Breaches happen. If you know or think your data was breached, change your passwords!

Cookies

When you browse a website, you're asked to allow or deny 'cookies' for that site. A cookie is a small set of data that site uses to identify you and your device in the future-- whenever a site logs you in automatically or remembers your preferences, this is the work of cookies. Some sites use cookies to track your browsing even on other sites. This is how Google comes up with those creepily specific ads.