Follow the digital trail

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 and send things online 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, 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 safe sharing stuff like my hobbies and my favourite things.

OK, 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? 

© Common Sense