Follow the Digital Trail

Students learn that the information that they put online leaves a digital footprint or "trail." This trail can be big or small, helpful or hurtful, depending on how they manage it.

I just don't know where all these prints are coming from.

It's a mystery.

Whom do they belong to?

You know, there's some footprints that you just can't erase.

What do you mean?

I'm talking about something we all do.

We all leave footprints online:

they're called digital footprints.

Every time you go online to play a game,

type an email or search the Internet,

you leave a trail.

Really? I'm online all the time sharing things:

I play online, I post online,

I submit some things online almost everyday.

Well, since you're online a lot,

your footprints are all over the place

and it's really hard to erase these footprints.

You mean I can't just clean them up?

No, it doesn't work like that!

How does it work?

Our digital footprint can get really big, really quickly.

So we need to pause and think when we're online.

We need to be safe, responsible and respectful.

Wow!

So, what should I be careful about not sharing online?

Never share private information like your full name, address,

telephone number, your age or birthday
or even your school.

I guess that makes sense.

What's OK to share then?

I share personal information
just not private information.

I keep my full name and address to myself,

but I feel save sharing stuff like my hobbies
and my favorite things.

OK, I think I've got this

and they have a big footprint online,

but I need to make sure what I'm sharing is

safe, responsible and respectful!

You got it!

It still doesn't solve the mystery
these muddy footprints though...

ah ah, case closed!

Remember to pause and think online!

If you're not sure what to do,
ask a trusted adult first.

How big is your digital footprint?