Have you ever wondered about the footprints you leave behind? Not the ones in the sand or mud, but the ones you leave online! These are called digital footprints, and they are like little clues that show where you’ve been on the internet.
Every time you play a game, send an email, or search for something online, you leave a digital footprint. It’s like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs that others can see. This means that if you’re online a lot, you have footprints all over the internet!
Unlike real footprints, digital ones are hard to erase. Once you share something online, it can stay there for a long time. That’s why it’s important to be careful about what you share.
When you’re online, it’s important to be safe, responsible, and respectful. Here are some tips to help you:
Before you post or share something online, pause and think. Ask yourself if it’s safe and respectful. If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to ask a trusted adult for advice.
Remember, your digital footprint can grow quickly, so make sure you’re leaving a trail that is safe and respectful. How big is your digital footprint? Keep it safe and smart!
Footprint Detective: With the help of a parent or guardian, explore a website or an app you frequently use. Try to identify what kind of digital footprints you might be leaving behind. Are there any usernames, comments, or likes that could be part of your digital trail? Discuss with your adult helper how you can make sure your footprints are safe and respectful.
Footprint Art: Create a drawing or collage that represents your digital footprint. Use paper, crayons, or any art supplies you have. Think about the different places you visit online and what kind of footprints you leave. Share your artwork with your class or family and explain what each part of your digital footprint means.
Think Before You Share Game: Play a game with a friend or family member where you take turns thinking of something you might want to share online, like a picture or a message. Before “sharing,” ask each other if it’s safe and respectful. Discuss why it might be a good or bad idea to share that information. This will help you practice thinking before you share in real life!
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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[Music]
I just don’t know where all these prints are coming from. It’s a mystery whom they belong to. You know, there are some footprints that you just can’t erase.
[Music]
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, playing online, posting, and submitting things almost every day.
Well, since you’re online a lot, you have footprints 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, age, birthday, or even your school.
I guess that makes sense, but what’s okay to share then?
You can share personal information, just not private information. It’s fine to share things like your hobbies and favorite activities, as long as you keep your full name and address to yourself.
Okay, I think I’ve got this. I may 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 of these muddy footprints, though.
Aha! 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?
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Let me know if you need any further modifications!
