Your digital footprint - Elementary school
Objective:
Learners should develop an awareness of their digital footprint and understand the importance of acting responsibly on the internet.
Content and methods:
The worksheet explains what a digital footprint is, what traces you leave behind on the internet (e.g., videos you have watched, photos you have shared, nicknames, email addresses), and that these traces are permanent. The definition of a digital footprint is explained. The worksheet uses a visual analogy (footprints) to actively encourage learners to come up with ideas. Specific examples of traces are given (videos, photos, email addresses). The permanence of these traces and the associated dangers (e.g., password theft) are discussed. Knowledge is tested through multiple-choice questions and a case study on the application of security rules (consultation with parents).
Skills:
- Media literacy and awareness of the digital footprint
- Risk awareness when dealing with personal data and shared content
- Critical thinking when choosing safe actions on the internet
Target group:
Grades 3-4
50 other teachers use this template
Target group and level
Grades 3-4
Subjects
Your digital footprint - Elementary school
Introduction
We humans leave traces wherever we go. When we walk across a beach, our footprints can be seen in the sand. When we walk through a puddle, wet footprints remain behind us. And even when we eat something, crumbs sometimes reveal where we were sitting! But did you know that we also leave traces on the internet? Whenever we use a tablet, cell phone, or computer, small clues about what we have been doing are created. These traces are called digital footprints. Today, you will learn what these traces look like—and why it is important to know about them.
📝 Consider what traces you leave behind on the internet. Write your ideas in the footprints or use the free space.
📝Space for your ideas.
🧐 Your traces on the internet
When you're online, for example when you're playing games or watching funny animal videos, you leave traces behind. Your traces on the internet are all the information that shows what you're doing and who you are. For example, the internet remembers exactly which of your favorite videos you watched and at what time.
Even when you share things or type something somewhere, these are traces: when you upload a photo, set your nickname for a game, or enter your email address to try out a new game. The internet even stores which device you are currently using to access it – for example, your mom's cell phone or tablet. All this collected information together forms your digital footprints, which remain stored on the internet.
📝 Task:
Discuss as a class what traces you have already left on the internet and why.
For example: I entered my mom's email address so I could play a game.
🔒 That's why it's important to know your digital footprint
We leave lots of traces on the internet, and most of the time we don't even notice. But why should we care? Because these traces don't just disappear like footprints in the sand—they stay there forever!
This is dangerous: if your traces, such as photos or comments under a picture, remain online, strangers can find them. They could take your photo, or they could steal your password to impersonate you. This can be dangerous.
That's why the most important rule is: always talk to Mom or Dad before sharing anything online. They can help you know if it's safe.
📝Select the correct answer.
Note for the teacher
Children sometimes share content (such as photos or personal information) in the digital space that they later find unpleasant or embarrassing. They often try to hide these situations or actions out of shame.
It is precisely this secrecy that carries a high risk: other people—for example, adults in chat rooms—may ask the children to keep the information completely confidential. In the worst case, these people may use the shared information to blackmail or pressure the children.
It is therefore crucial to talk openly with students at an early stage about the difference between good secrets (such as a nice surprise) and bad secrets (things that cause stomach aches or fear).
📌 Sometimes it happens that you unintentionally share something on the internet and later regret it. That happened to Lin. Can you give her some advice?