Your guide to staying safe on the internet and social media

1. Protect Your Personal Information

In today's digital age, safeguarding your personal data is essential to prevent identity theft, scams, or other malicious activities. Here’s how you can protect your personal information online:

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

• Avoid easy-to-guess passwords like “password123” or your birthday.
• Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to create complex passwords.
• Consider using a password manager to store your passwords securely.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts, which adds an extra layer of security.

Limit the Information You Share

• Be cautious about what you post online, especially on social media platforms. Avoid sharing personal details like your home address, phone number, or financial information.
• Adjust privacy settings on social media to control who can see your posts. Consider making your personal social media accounts private.
• Create separate professional accounts for work-related communications, rather than using personal accounts to interact with students, parents, or colleagues.

2. Maintain Professional Boundaries on Social Media

As a teacher, maintaining professional boundaries with students and their families is crucial, especially when interacting online. Here are key guidelines to follow:

Separate Personal and Professional Accounts

• Create a professional social media account specifically for communicating with students and parents, if necessary. This helps draw a clear line between your personal life and your professional role.
• Avoid friending or following students on your personal social media accounts. It’s important to maintain a professional distance to prevent misunderstandings or inappropriate interactions.
• Use approved school platforms for communication. Platforms like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, or other school-sanctioned apps are designed to facilitate appropriate teacher-student interactions.

Be Mindful of Your Content

• Post with professionalism in mind: As a teacher, you represent your school, so avoid sharing content that could be seen as inappropriate, offensive, or unprofessional.
• Think before you comment: Online comments, even in personal forums, can be shared or screenshotted. Always assume that anything you post could become public.

3. Be Aware of Phishing and Online Scams

Phishing attacks, where scammers attempt to trick you into providing personal information, are common. These scams often come in the form of emails, texts, or social media messages that look legitimate but are not. Here’s how to avoid falling victim:

Recognize Phishing Attempts

• Be skeptical of unsolicited emails or messages asking for sensitive information, especially if they come from unknown senders.
• Look for signs of phishing, such as grammatical errors, unfamiliar email addresses, or urgent requests for action (e.g., "click here immediately to avoid losing access").
• Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources. Verify the legitimacy of the email by contacting the organization directly using official contact details.

Use Secure Networks

• Avoid public Wi-Fi networks when accessing sensitive information or logging into work-related accounts. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data.
• Keep your software up to date: Regularly update your devices and software, including your antivirus program, to protect against vulnerabilities and cyber threats.

4. Manage Your Digital Footprint

Your digital footprint is the trail of information you leave behind when you use the internet. Being mindful of your online activity can help protect your reputation and privacy.

Google Yourself Regularly

• Periodically search your name online to see what information is available about you. If you find outdated or incorrect information, take steps to have it removed or corrected.

Delete Unused Accounts

• If you have old social media accounts, delete or deactivate them if they’re no longer in use. Unmaintained accounts can be vulnerable to hacking.

Monitor Tagging and Mentions

• On social media, check your privacy settings to control who can tag you in posts or photos. Review any tagged posts to ensure they reflect the professional image you want to maintain.

5. Keep Student Information Confidential

As an educator, you have access to sensitive information about your students, which must be kept confidential, both offline and online.

Follow School Policies on Digital Communication

• Use school-approved platforms for sharing student information, grades, or assignments. Avoid using personal emails or messaging apps to discuss student progress or other sensitive matters.

Secure Student Data

• Ensure that any files containing student data are stored on secure, password-protected devices or platforms. Do not store sensitive data on personal devices unless authorized by your school.

Avoid Public Discussions About Students

• Never discuss students or their personal details on social media or in any public online space. Even vague comments could violate privacy policies or be misinterpreted.

6. Stay Informed About School Policies

Most schools have policies regarding online safety, data privacy, and the use of social media by staff. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these policies to ensure you’re complying with the rules and protecting yourself from potential issues.

Follow School Guidelines

• Make sure you understand your school’s social media policy and adhere to it in both your professional and personal use of social platforms.

Report Any Security Concerns

• If you encounter a security breach or suspicious online activity, report it immediately to your school’s IT department. Quick action can prevent further damage and protect sensitive information.

7. Educate Your Students About Online Safety

As an educator, you have a unique opportunity to teach students about the importance of online safety. Encourage responsible internet use and educate them on the risks they might face.

Teach Digital Citizenship

• Incorporate lessons on digital citizenship into your curriculum. Teach students about privacy settings, safe online behavior, and how to avoid cyberbullying and online predators.

Model Safe Behavior

• Lead by example when using technology in the classroom. Demonstrate responsible online behavior and explain why it’s important to stay safe on the internet.

Conclusion: Staying Safe in the Digital World

Staying safe on the internet and social media as a teacher requires awareness, vigilance, and adherence to best practices. By protecting your personal information, maintaining professional boundaries, and being cautious about what you share, you can navigate the digital world with confidence. Remember, your actions online can have a lasting impact on your personal and professional reputation—staying informed and cautious is key.

With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can enjoy the benefits of the internet while staying secure in your role as an educator.