Introduction
In this lesson, we will cover a relatively new area for personal consideration. Nowadays our first impression on someone is often made before meeting or even communicating with them. It is made by how we present ourselves online. This calls for a clear understanding of what it means to be safe online and how to make the most of what is a very powerful tool, the internet. This can be both developmental and destructure so must be used thoughtfully.
This lesson will help you to do this and to create an effective online presence that will help you move forwards in your life.
Key questions:
- Do you know what dangers are out there on the internet and how to protect yourself from them?
- What does it mean to ‘get the most’ out of online activity? How do you currently present yourself online and what does this tell the viewer about you?
Within this lesson you will be:
- Challenged to understand the risks as well as the rewards of being online.
- Inspired to be an effective user of the internet, to avoid distraction and harness the developmental power it has.
- Tasked to develop and curate an online presence for yourself that will lead to more positive opportunities in the future.
This topic is divided into 3 parts as follows:
Part 1 – Working safely online
- Setting and maintaining clear boundaries around personal privacy and to manage online safety in all its forms, including seeking help when appropriate.
- Effectively challenging online content that adversely affects your personal or professional reputation.
- Knowing when and how to report or access help for yourself or others in relation to extremism and radicalisation.
Part 2 – Getting the most out of being online
- Understanding how social media can expand, limit or distort perspectives and recognise how content you create and share may contribute to, or challenge this.
- Being a critical consumer of online information in all its forms, including recognising bias, propaganda and manipulation.
- Harnessing the power of free information online.
Part 3 – Creating an effective online presence
- Building a positive professional online presence, using a range of technologies.
- Maintaining and showcasing a personal branding that promotes your passions and skills.
- Turning a positive personal brand into offline opportunities, and making the most of them.
Let’s get into it!
Part 1 – Working safely online
Setting and Maintaining Clear Boundaries Around Personal Privacy and Online Safety
The internet is a vast space with endless opportunities to connect, create, and explore. But with those opportunities come risks, especially around personal privacy and safety. Here’s how to stay safe online.
Why Privacy Matters
Your data is valuable. What you share online can be used by others in ways you may not expect. Photos, locations, and personal info can lead to identity theft or harassment.
The BBC have a whole section dedicated to personal data breaches if you are interested to see why this is such an important issue. Check it out here.
Task One – Mini Self-Assessment
Consider what your passwords are for the three sites you use the most. Are these strong and unique? If not, make a change today.
In the real-world people can, often unintentionally, leave themselves vulnerable. For example, you post about going on holiday, tagging your location. This can alert people that your house is empty. Instead, share your holiday photos after you’re back home.
If you feel your safety has been compromised, reach out to trusted adults, report the issue to the platform, or contact organisations like Childnet for advice.
Effectively Challenging Harmful Online Content to Protect Your Reputation
What you post online can follow you for years. Whether it’s a tweet, a photo, or a comment, it can shape how others see you. Learn how to manage your digital footprint and deal with harmful content.
Why Reputation Matters
Colleges, employers, and friends often check online profiles. An inappropriate post could hurt future opportunities. It is a standard part of many recruitment processes to check applicants online footprints, so be careful what story this tells about you.
It is not uncommon in the real-world for someone to tag you in a photo or video that makes you uncomfortable or could hurt your reputation. Politely ask them to remove it, or untag yourself and adjust your privacy settings so this doesn’t happen in the future.
If something harmful about you is circulating, report the post to the platform or seek advice from support services like the NSPCC or a legal professional.
Knowing When and How to Report or Access Help for Extremism and Radicalisation
Extremism and radicalisation can sometimes be subtle and hard to identify. It’s important to know the signs and when to take action, either for yourself or others. Extremist content often appears as persuasive or emotional appeals. It may encourage hatred, violence, or intolerance towards certain groups.
Be wary of any red flags in your own friendship groups. If a friend starts sharing conspiracy theories or violent content online, it could be nothing, but that is how many people would think in situations that have led to something very serious.
Don’t do nothing.
Talk to a trusted adult or report the content to the platform. Early intervention can help everyone involved. Use platforms like ACT Early or the Prevent Program for guidance. If you feel someone’s life is at risk, it’s important to alert authorities or a counselor right away.
This part of the lesson has focused on the darker side of the internet. In the next part we look ahead to more positive parts of the internet and how you can leverage them for your own development and success. Try the quiz first then head on to the next part.