Before you post
- Will I still be comfortable with this in a few years?
- Would I share this in front of my whole class?
- Am I sharing more information than necessary?
My online self
What I share shapes
my online reputation.
You’re in control Think for 10 seconds What you post Who sees you You decide Share smart Protect your profile Quick tips
Your digital footprint
Everything you do online leaves a trace
Your life happens online too
Your life happens online too
You post a photo, comment on a video, react to a story, join a server or change your username.
They seem like separate actions, but together they start telling a story about you.
Your digital identity grows every day
Your digital identity grows every day
It’s not just about what you post. Your profiles, usernames, comments, reactions and the servers you’re part of shape your digital identity.
Even the photos you appear in and what other people post about you count too.
Why it matters
Why it matters
What you share shapes the image other people have of you.
If you share too much information, other people can use it to create fake profiles, pretend to be you or try to win your trust by pretending to be someone you know.
Tips for making better decisions
The 10-second rule
Take 10 seconds to think about hitting post. You might end up being grateful for it.
I control
my
story
I control
my
story
In life and online
Your data, your choice
Not all your information has to be seen by everyone
Your profile says more than it seems
Your profile says more than it seems
Your profile isn’t just what you write in your bio. It can also reveal where you study, who you’re friends with, which places you go to, or when you’re away from home.
Sharing more about yourself could lead to someone you’ve never met learning more about your life than you realise.
What is your personal data
What is your personal data
Any bit of information that can be used to identify you or find out more details about your life.
- First name and surname
- Date of birth
- Phone number
- Email address
- Address
- School
- Location
- Photos
Set who can see your information
Set who can see your information
All social media and applications let you choose who can access the information and content you share.
Spend a few minutes reviewing and adjusting your accounts’ privacy settings. It’s a simple step that will help you control who can see what you post.
Tips for making better decisions
Check these in your privacy settings
- Who can see your posts.
- Who can send you messages.
- Who can find you using your phone number
or email address. - What information appears on your profile.
- Who can see your stories or statuses.
- Who can tag you.
- Who can see your location.
The red flags
- Sharing your real-time location.
- Having public profiles without checking who follows you.
- Accepting requests from people you don’t know.
- Sharing photos that reveal personal information.
Quick rule
Privacy isn’t about hiding. It’s giving you the power to decide what you share, who you share with and when they can see it.
My data,
my rules
My
data,
my
rules
I decide what I share,
with whom and when
Your apps ask for
access too
You decide what your apps can see
Before allowing, understand what you’re sharing
Before allowing, understand what you’re sharing
When you install an app, it sometimes asks for access to parts of your device.
Some permissions are necessary, others aren’t. For example, a navigation app might need your location, but a photo-editing app probably doesn’t need access to your contacts.
Common permissions
Common permissions
Here are some types of access apps often ask for.
- Camera
- Microphone
- Location
- Contacts
- Photos and files
Take back control
Take back control
Permissions aren’t forever. You can review which apps have access to your device and remove the ones you no longer need.
You can also delete apps you no longer use.
Tips for making better decisions
Before accepting a permission
- Does this app really need this access?
- Do I understand why it’s asking for it?
- Did I download it from an official store?
- Would I be comfortable with this app accessing that information?
Do a quick check
- Check your apps’ permissions.
- Delete apps you don’t use.
- Only download from official stores.
- Keep your device up to date.
Quick rule
If an app wants access, it needs a good reason. Don’t accept permissions out of habit. Check whether they’re really necessary.
I don't accept
permissions
blindly
I don't
accept
permissions
blindly
I check first whether
they make sense
Your judgement protects you too
You don’t need to know everything or always get it right. What matters is stopping when something doesn’t seem right, checking before you act and asking for help if a situation becomes complicated. Every time you choose to review, ask questions or wait a little before deciding, you’re protecting your online life.