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Welcome to Mission culture scan: Decrypting digital habits
As a CyberCulture Mentor, your role is to investigate the habits, systems, and challenges that shape our digital lives. In this mission, you’ll explore what a digital footprint is, why it matters, and how to evaluate and manage your online presence with care. You’ll learn to distinguish between misinformation and disinformation, developing strategies to verify content and promote information integrity. You’ll also unpack how algorithms work specifically on social media, understanding their benefits, risks, and the powerful role they play in shaping what we see online. Along the way, you’ll build the skills needed to navigate digital spaces responsibly and support students in becoming thoughtful, informed digital citizens.
Below is some key information on digital habits, privacy and social media that all teachers should know. Once you’ve built your own confidence and expertise, you’ll find resources further down to use directly with your students. These include age-appropriate activities, ready-to-go slides, and take-home materials you can share with families to help extend learning beyond the classroom.
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Digital footprints
What is a digital footprint?
A digital footprint is the record of a person’s online activity, created through both intentional actions and the collection of background data. For educators and students, this includes everything from posting on social media or submitting work through online platforms (active footprint) to data collected by websites and apps, such as browsing habits or location tracking (passive footprint). An active digital footprint is formed when users deliberately share content, such as a teacher posting on a professional blog or a student commenting in a class forum. In contrast, a passive digital footprint is created without direct input, as when a school’s learning platform tracks login times or a browser stores search history. Understanding the difference will help you make more mindful choices about your digital habits and online presence.
Digital footprints can include various types of information, such as:
- Personal information: Includes details like name, age, address, phone number, and other identifying data that individuals may share online
- Online profiles: Information shared on social media platforms, websites, or online forums, such as bio, photos, interests, and affiliations
- Online interactions: Includes comments, posts, messages, and interactions with others on social media, blogs, or discussion forums
- Online purchases: Records of online shopping activities, including items purchased, transaction details, and payment information
- Search history: The searches individuals perform on search engines, which can provide insights into their interests, preferences, and information-seeking behaviour
- Digital communication: Emails, instant messages, and other forms of electronic communication that individuals send and receive
- Online presence: Any digital content created by individuals, such as blog posts, videos, artwork, or articles, that may be publicly available
2 Important Reasons for Teachers to Think About Their Digital Footprint
1. Online Reputation Management
As educators, your digital footprint plays a key role in shaping how you’re perceived by colleagues, administration, students, parents, and even future employers. The content you share, the conversations you participate in, and the communities you associate with all contribute to your professional identity. In education, where you serve as a role model for students, maintaining a thoughtful and intentional online presence is essential. Just like in fields such as cybersecurity, where credibility and ethical behaviour are vital, your actions online reflect your integrity and professionalism. Keep in mind that what you post can remain accessible or be reshared even after deletion. People can screenshot your posts, comments can get indexed on the platform after they are removed, allowing any content and posts to be circulated and reshared indefinitely.
2. Privacy and Security
The data collected from your online behaviour, both active and passive, can be used for targeted advertising, profiling, or unauthorized sharing. A bigger concern is that data can be lost or stolen in a breach, and how scammers could misuse that information. Managing your digital footprint helps protect your personal information and sets a strong example for students in maintaining digital boundaries. While active footprints are easier to control, passive footprints are gathered silently through everyday tech use, making them harder to manage. Although you cannot entirely erase your passive footprint, adopting mindful practices, such as reviewing privacy settings, limiting unnecessary app permissions, and understanding how platforms track data, can help reduce exposure and model responsible digital habits in your classroom.
Ways Teachers Can Protect or Lessen Their Digital Footprint
- Review and Manage Privacy Settings
- Regularly check privacy settings on social media, email accounts, and apps.
- Limit what is publicly visible (e.g., posts, photos, contact info).
- Turn off location sharing where unnecessary.
- Be Selective About What You Share
- Avoid oversharing personal details, especially on public platforms.
- Keep professional and personal accounts separate when possible.
- Think before posting and assume anything shared online can become public.
- Audit Your Online Presence
- Search your name regularly (using incognito mode) to see what’s publicly visible.
- Remove outdated or unnecessary accounts, posts, or information.
- Update professional platforms (like LinkedIn) to reflect your current role and values.
- Limit Passive Data Collection
- Use privacy-focused browsers (e.g., Firefox, Brave) or enable tracking protection features.
- Disable cookies and ad tracking where possible.
- Avoid using personal accounts for work-related browsing or logins.
- Use Online Personas
- Create separate identities for different purposes (e.g., work, personal, hobby) to protect your privacy.
- Use unique usernames, strong passwords, and avoid real names or identifiable photos.
- Keep personas distinct to limit tracking and reduce cross-platform data exposure.
Cookies and Privacy – Why you should disable them
Have you ever seen this pop up on your screen when visiting websites? These pop-ups are asking for permission to store cookies, which are small files that remember things like your login, preferences, or what’s in your shopping cart. While some cookies (first-party cookies) help websites work smoothly, others (third-party cookies) track your activity across sites, building profiles of your online behaviour for advertising or other purposes. While it’s easy to blindly click “accept all cookies,” this action should be avoided because doing so gives third parties access to your personal data. To protect your privacy, it’s best to allow only the necessary cookies, which are the ones required for the website to function properly.
How to adjust your cookie settings
⚠️ Note: Some site features may not work if cookies are blocked. You can allow cookies for trusted sites only.
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Being Private In a Public World
Social media today is a constant stream of updates; friends sharing daily snapshots, influencers posting vlog content, and family members broadcasting milestones. The culture of being online often feels like living in public, where posts, stories, and interactions are visible far beyond our immediate circles. That sense of exposure isn’t limited to what we share on feeds, though. It also extends to the choices we make when downloading apps, where it’s surprisingly easy to skip over privacy settings or accept terms without realizing what data is being collected, how it’s being used, or with whom it’s being shared. In both cases, it’s the small, often overlooked details that can leave bigger gaps in personal privacy than we might expect.
What are Privacy Policies?
Staying private in a digital world starts with small but intentional steps. The very first one is often the most overlooked: actually reading privacy policies before accepting them or using a site’s platform. While it’s tempting to tap “agree” without a second thought, or easy to get started on a website without reading its privacy policy, these documents outline how platforms use your information and what control you really have. By paying attention here, you set the foundation for protecting your digital presence.
A privacy policy is a document that explains how a website, app, or online service collects, uses, and shares your personal information. By using the service, you are agreeing to the terms in the policy, even if you never clicked “I agree.” These policies outline what data is collected (such as your name, email, or browsing history), why it’s collected, how it’s stored or protected, and who it might be shared with.
Websites and apps have privacy policies for several key reasons:
- Legal compliance: Privacy laws require organizations to explain how they collect, use, and protect personal data.
- Transparency: Policies inform users about what data is being collected, how it will be used, and who it might be shared with.
- Informed consent: Even if users don’t click “I agree,” continuing to use a site often implies acceptance, so policies ensure users have the information to make that choice knowingly.
- Building trust: Clear privacy policies help users feel confident that their data is handled responsibly.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all privacy policies are written with your best interests in mind. Warning signs include:
- Mentions of selling or sharing information with third parties.
- Vague language like “may” or “might” without specifics.
- Overly complex wording that makes it hard to understand.
- Requests for more data than necessary (e.g., a game asking for your address).
- Policies that are hard to find, outdated, or that allow changes without notice.
- No clear contact information for questions or concerns.
Note: When thinking about data collection, it’s not just about whether a company gathers the information. Once collected, that data becomes vulnerable, and even if you trust the company, a breach or leak could make it available to scammers or other bad actors.
In the classroom, checking privacy policies is crucial because students often sign up for apps or online tools that collect personal data, sometimes without being aware of it. Teaching students how to review these policies, such as identifying what information is collected, who it’s shared with, and how long it’s stored, provides them with practical skills to protect their digital identities and make safer choices online. It also empowers teachers to select tools responsibly and set a strong example of digital literacy.
When it comes to children’s data, companies must be especially careful. Laws like COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) exist to prevent businesses from collecting or targeting information from kids under 13 without verified parental consent. That’s why privacy policies often include age checks — not because companies want this data, but to make sure they don’t accidentally collect it in the first place. Before using any website in the classroom, check the site’s privacy policy for age restrictions or age checks to ensure you are not allowing the site to collect or track a child’s data.
Checking App Permissions
Apps often ask for permission to access parts of your device, such as location, camera, microphone, or contacts. Some permissions are necessary for the app to function, but others may not be needed and could share personal information unnecessarily.
Tips for staying safe:
- Only give apps the permissions they really need.
- Check app permissions regularly.
- Revoke permissions that seem unnecessary.
- Be cautious with apps that request multiple permissions right away. You can often give access later if needed.
How to check permissions:
Android:
- Go to Settings → Apps → [Select App] → Permissions
- Toggle off anything the app doesn’t need
iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → [Permission Type]
- Review which apps have access and turn off anything unnecessary
Be cautious of apps that request unusual or excessive permissions, such as access to your location, contacts, microphone, or camera when it isn’t necessary for the app’s function. These permissions can pose a risk to your personal information and privacy. Regularly reviewing and adjusting app permissions helps protect your data and ensures that apps only have access to what they truly need.
Checking Privacy Settings
As a teacher, it’s important to understand how social media privacy settings work for your own professional and personal digital presence. Many accounts are public by default, which can expose posts, messages, or personal information to unintended audiences. Knowing how to adjust privacy settings helps you maintain control over your online presence and model responsible digital behaviour.
Example: How to set Instagram to private
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap the three lines (top right) → Settings.
- Select Privacy → Account Privacy.
- Turn on Private Account.
Practical steps:
- Review privacy settings on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
- Set accounts to private where appropriate and control who can interact with content.
- Regularly check and update settings as platforms change their privacy options.
Once your account is private, only approved people can see your posts, follow you, or interact with your content. You can also review who can comment, message, or view your stories to add extra layers of protection.
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Social Media Algorithms
Social media has become deeply ingrained in the daily lives of both students and educators. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and Facebook do more than share content; they shape our digital experiences, our interests, and even our beliefs. At the heart of all online environments are algorithms, which are complex systems that influence what we see and how we interact with content online.
What Are Algorithms?
In simple terms, algorithms are sets of rules and signals that social media platforms use to sort and recommend content. These systems analyze user behaviour, such as what we like, watch, share, skip, or comment on, and use that data to create a personalized online experience. For example, a student who frequently watches sports videos on TikTok may start seeing more athletic content, while another who interacts with art tutorials will be shown more creative content.
This personalization is why two people can be on the same platform and see completely different things, even if they follow similar accounts. It’s also why students often feel that social media “just gets them” because it’s built to do so.
Benefits of Algorithms in Social Media
When used effectively, algorithms can create meaningful and efficient digital experiences:
- Personalized user experience: Algorithms show content tailored to individual interests, making the platform more engaging and enjoyable. This can help students feel seen, connected, and supported by communities that align with their passions or identities.
- Efficient content filtering: By prioritizing relevant posts, algorithms help users find the information or people they’re looking for more quickly, streamlining their time online.
- Enhanced user safety: Platforms utilize algorithms to detect and mitigate harmful content, such as hate speech or cyberbullying, thereby creating safer environments for students and educators alike.
- Improved discoverability for creators: Algorithms can promote the visibility of content created by individuals or organizations, even those with limited resources or following. This can provide opportunities for creators to gain exposure, grow their audience, and potentially monetize their work.
Risks of Algorithms in Social Media
However, these same systems can have unintended consequences, especially for young users who may not yet possess the critical thinking skills to recognize them
- Excessive screen time: Because algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, they can lead to addictive scrolling and prolonged use, which may negatively impact sleep, attention, and overall well-being.
- Filter bubbles and echo chambers: Algorithms tend to reinforce users’ existing beliefs or preferences, thereby limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints. This can narrow students’ understanding of the world and hinder open-mindedness.
- Exposure to harmful content: To maximize engagement, platforms may sometimes surface sensational or emotionally triggering content, including misinformation or inappropriate material that can affect mental health.
- Privacy and targeted advertising: Students may not realize how much personal data is being collected to serve them targeted ads. This raises ethical concerns about surveillance, consent, and digital autonomy.
Why Algorithm Awareness is Important in the Classroom and Beyond
Understanding algorithms is no longer just a technical skill; it’s a vital part of digital and cultural literacy. Algorithms shape what students see online, how they interpret information, and what they come to value or believe. As educators, you have a responsibility to help students recognize how these systems influence their online lives and develop the critical thinking needed to question and navigate them thoughtfully.
In the classroom, this means creating opportunities to discuss how content is personalized on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram, and why that matters. You can encourage students to ask questions such as, Why am I seeing this? Who gains from my attention? Embedding these conversations into lessons can help students make connections between algorithms and the world around them.
Teaching Materials (Slide deck)
Here are three slide shows, filtered by grade range (Grades 9–12, 5–8, and 3–4), that you can add straight into Google Classroom. These slideshows make it easy for you to turn the information into teachable lessons with ready-to-go slides so that students can become the experts themselves. You can present them in class or share them with students and parents to explore on their own.
(For grades 1-2, see Cyber Explorers on CyberByters.ca or grades k-3 activity sheet below for age appropriate material)
English Versions
French Versions
Classroom Activities
Here are lesson activities you can use directly in the classroom or upload to Google Classroom. There is a teacher version and a student version that can be directly handed out. The activities are curriculum-aligned and designed to deepen students’ understanding of various online concepts. They are organized by grade range (Grades 9-12, 4-8 and K–3) and conveniently included in a single document for easy access.
English Version
French Version
continuing the cybersafety mission
CTRL-F: Find the Facts
CTRL-F: Find the Facts is a free, self-paced course that helps you develop the essential skills to navigate today’s complex online world. In just three hours, you’ll learn core research strategies focused on establishing context and fact-checking, giving you evidence-based tools to evaluate any information you encounter online. With expert-led instructional videos, practical exercises using real-world examples, and opportunities to apply your knowledge to AI-generated content, CTRL-F equips you to recognize misinformation and disinformation with confidence. Plus, you’ll earn a certificate of completion to showcase your skills.
What is digital citizenship?
Digital Citizenship is a resource by MediaSmarts designed to help teachers guide their students in navigating online spaces safely and responsibly. It covers key areas like building empathy and community, promoting positive technology use, sharing information thoughtfully, and understanding ethics and privacy. Using this resource, students learn to engage respectfully, protect their personal information, and contribute positively to the digital world, developing the skills needed to be responsible digital citizens.
Break the fake
Break the Fake is an engaging program that helps teachers guide their students in spotting misinformation and discovering the truth on social media. Through four practical strategies, using fact-checking tools, tracing posts to their source, evaluating credibility, and cross-checking with reliable outlets, students practice critical thinking with interactive videos, quizzes, and real-world examples, learning how to pause, question, and verify before sharing online.
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a neutral, not-for-profit national centre of expertise with the mission of strengthening Canada’s digital advantage in the global economy. For over 30 years, and with a team over 100 experts, they have delivered forward-looking research, practical policy advice, and capacity-building solutions for individuals and businesses. ICTC’s goal is to ensure that technology is utilized to drive economic growth and innovation and that Canada’s workforce remains competitive on a global scale.
ICTC’s National CyberDay is funded by the Government of Canada’s CanCode Initiative.
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