It’s fine to share certain information online, like scenic photos or funny videos. However, it’s important not to share private information. Sharing personal views and opinions may not always be wise since opinions can change, and they may not age well over time. You don’t want your words to be misunderstood or attract unwanted attention—except from those close to you, people you want to educate or entertain, or future employers who may be looking at your online presence when considering you for a job.
Sharing parts of your life online is fun, but as emphasized in the “Private and Personal Information” lesson from Common Sense Education, it’s important to know the difference between what’s okay to share and what should stay private.
It’s generally safe to share non-identifying information, like scenic photos from your vacation, your favorite books, or your hobbies. On professional platforms like LinkedIn, sharing job-related content, achievements, and career updates is also appropriate.
However, when it comes to personally identifiable information (PII)—such as your full name, home address, phone number, or Social Security number—you should be very careful. This kind of sensitive information can easily be used for identity theft or fraud. Location data, like frequent check-ins or real-time updates on your whereabouts, should also be avoided, as it can reveal more about your daily routines than you may realize.
A key concept from Common Sense Education’s curriculum is to “Pause & Think Online.” This practice encourages kids and adults alike to be mindful of what they post and who can see it. Always consider the long-term impact of your digital footprint—your posts may be seen by future employers, educators, or people you didn’t intend to share with.
Learning from the Lesson Plan: Insights on Online Privacy
Recently, I explored a lesson plan from Common Sense Education that delves into the complexities of online privacy and how companies collect and use our data. The lesson begins with an engaging activity where students discuss a meme about mind reading. Even though mind reading might seem like a cool power, it actually highlights how uncomfortable it would be if others could access our private thoughts. We all have thoughts that we don’t intend or want others to know. Not sharing our private thoughts is an example of privacy, which is protection from being observed or tracked by others—including people, companies, the government, or the general public.
The lesson prompts students with the question: Can you think of examples of things that people might want to keep private—either from everyone or from specific people? This encourages students to reflect on their own boundaries and understand that people have different comfort levels when it comes to sharing information.
When you are online, privacy becomes more complicated. You can choose the websites you go to and what information you decide to share with others, like on social media. However, your words and actions are often being collected and tracked without your explicit knowledge. The lesson emphasizes that companies place ads online based on everything they know about you. It might be information you provided when you signed up, something you searched for, or even your behavior within an app.
An illustrative scenario from the lesson involves a student named Keet, who notices that after browsing an online store and sharing a link on social media, he starts seeing targeted ads related to those products. This scenario helps students understand how their online activities are tracked and used for advertising purposes.
The lesson also covers how companies use cookies, small text files placed on your device by the sites you visit. Cookies allow companies to collect information about you and your preferences, which they may use to personalize your experience or sell to advertisers. Students learn that if they’re uncomfortable with this kind of tracking, they can turn off cookies in their browser settings, though this might affect their browsing experience.
Importantly, the lesson teaches students how to protect their privacy by adjusting settings on apps like Snapchat. By exploring the privacy settings, students can control what information is visible to others and opt out of certain types of data collection. Understanding privacy policies and terms of service is also emphasized, as these documents outline what user information is collected and how it’s used.
Personal Reflections on the Lesson Plan
What is of Most Value?
From my personal perspective, the most valuable aspect of the lesson plan is how it makes the abstract concept of online privacy tangible and relatable to students. Using real-world scenarios like Keet’s experience with targeted ads helps students see the immediate impact of their online actions. The discussion about mind reading as an analogy for privacy invasion effectively captures the discomfort of having one’s private thoughts exposed.
What Would Be Most Useful for Teaching?
As a teacher or trainer, the most useful component is the practical guidance on navigating privacy settings and understanding data collection. Teaching students how to adjust their app settings empowers them to take control of their personal information. The lesson’s focus on critical thinking—asking students how they feel about their data being collected and used—encourages deeper engagement and awareness.
Suggestions for Improvement
While the lesson plan is comprehensive, some sections could be enhanced. For instance:
- More Interactive Elements: Incorporating interactive digital tools or live demonstrations when exploring privacy settings could make the experience more engaging.
- Current Examples: Updating scenarios with the latest apps and social media platforms that students are currently using would increase relevance.
- Expanded Discussions: Including more on the ethical implications of data collection and how it affects society could foster critical thinking beyond personal privacy.
Conclusion
Understanding what to share and what to keep private online is crucial in today’s digital age. You will thank me later for adhering to this blog post! By combining personal reflection with educational resources, we can better navigate the complexities of online privacy. The lesson plan from Common Sense Education not only reinforces the importance of protecting personal information but also provides practical steps for doing so. Check it out!
Remember, while sharing aspects of our lives online can be enjoyable, it’s essential to “Pause & Think Online” about the potential long-term impacts. This is a great rule of thumb! By staying informed and proactive, we can safeguard our privacy and make more conscious decisions about our digital footprints.
Common Sense Media. (2024). Digital Citizenship Curriculum. Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship/curriculum?topic=privacy–security
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