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15 Jul 2024
How To Stay Safe Online: AISM's Digital Literacy Guide for Students
In today's digital age, knowing how to stay safe online is crucial for everyone, especially students. Digital literacy, the ability to navigate and critically assess information on the internet, plays a pivotal role in this endeavour.
What is Digital Literacy?
Digital literacy encompasses a range of skills that enable individuals to effectively find, evaluate, create, and communicate information using digital technologies. For students, it goes beyond basic internet skills to include understanding digital footprints, privacy settings, and online etiquette. It empowers them to use technology responsibly and safely.
Tips for Students to Stay Safe Online
1. Use Strong Passwords:
Create passwords that are complex and unique for each account. Consider using password managers to securely store them.
2. Be Wary of Phishing:
Phishing attacks often target students through emails or fake websites. Verify the source before clicking on links or providing personal information.
3. Manage Privacy Settings:
Adjust privacy settings on social media and other platforms to control who can see your information. Limit the amount of personal data shared online.
4. Think Before You Share:
Once something is online, it can be difficult to remove. Be cautious about sharing personal information, photos, or opinions that could be misused or misunderstood
5. Verify Information:
Not all information online is accurate. Teach students to verify what sources are reliable and cross-check information before accepting it as true.
6. Cyberbullying Awareness:
Encourage students to be kind online and report any instances of cyberbullying. Help them understand the impact of their online actions on others. If they ever face cyberbullying, get them to talk to someone they trust for support, like a parent or teacher or our Certified Mindfulness practitioners. Blocking the bully and not retaliating is often the best response. Keep evidence and screenshots of the bullying.
7. Update Security Software:
Ensure that devices have up-to-date antivirus software and operating systems to protect against malware and cyber threats.
8. Educate About Online Scams:
Teach students about common online scams and how to recognize warning signs, such as unrealistic offers or requests for money.
Conclusion
By fostering digital literacy among students, AISM equips them with the skills needed to navigate the internet safely and responsibly. Understanding how to stay safe online is not just about following rules but also about developing critical thinking and ethical behaviour in the digital world. Empowered with these skills, students can harness the full potential of the internet while safeguarding themselves from its potential risks. If you’re interested in how we use digital learning in our curriculum at AISM, check out our learning approach today!
