Science & Technology 7 min read

Privacy, passwords and your digital footprint

Everything you do online leaves a trail. Learn how to protect your private information, build passwords that are strong and easy to remember, and leave a footprint you will be proud of.

Written by LiteCapsule Learning

Imagine walking along a sandy beach. Every step leaves a footprint. Some wash away. Others stay for a long time.

The internet works like that beach, except the footprints can last for years. Let's learn how to walk carefully.

Pixel art illustration of a smiling child walking along a sandy path leaving glowing footprints with tiny photo, heart and star icons, beside a large golden padlock with a key ring
Your digital footprint is the trail of information you leave online. A good lock keeps your private things safe.

Usually okay to share

Things that tell people nothing about where to find you.

  • Your favourite colour or animal
  • A drawing you made (with no name on it)
  • Opinions about a game or film

Think twice first

Things that give clues. Ask a trusted adult before sharing.

  • Photos of you, friends or family
  • Your school uniform or sports team
  • Where you are right now

Keep private

Things that should stay with you and your family.

  • Home address and phone number
  • Passwords and PIN codes
  • Full name together with your school

What is a digital footprint?

Your digital footprint is all the information about you that exists online. There are two kinds:

  • Active footprint: things you choose to share, such as posts, photos, comments and messages.
  • Passive footprint: things that are collected about you without you typing them, such as which websites you visit, your location or the videos you watch.

Once something is online, it can be copied, saved or screenshotted by someone else, even if you delete it later.

The grandparent test

Before you post, ask yourself: "Would I be happy for my grandparent, my teacher and my future employer to see this?"

If the answer is no, do not post it.

Why privacy matters

Privacy means you get to choose who knows things about you. Keeping your information safe helps protect you from:

  • Strangers who might use details to find you or pretend to be someone you trust.
  • Scammers who use your information to trick you or your family.
  • Regret, when an embarrassing post or photo is seen by people you did not expect.

It is a bit like closing the curtains at night. You have nothing to hide, but some things are just yours.

Passwords that protect you

A password is the key to your online life. The best passwords are long, not just tricky. Here is how different kinds compare:

Which passwords are strong?
Type of passwordExample ideaHow strong?
A single short wordA pet's nameWeak. Easy to guess.
A word with a few numbersYour name and birth yearWeak. Easy for people who know you.
A random mix of letters and symbolsA jumble of charactersStrong, but very hard to remember.
A passphrase of 4 or more random wordsFour unrelated words joined togetherStrong and easy to remember.

Build a passphrase in four steps

  1. Pick four random words, such as from a book opened at random pages.
  2. Put them together, maybe with a number or symbol between them.
  3. Picture a silly story that links the words so you can remember it.
  4. Use a different passphrase for each important account.

Golden rules for passwords

  • Never share them with friends, even best friends. Parents or carers are the only exception.
  • Do not reuse the same password everywhere. If one is leaked, all your accounts are at risk.
  • Turn on two-step verification (also called two-factor or 2FA) when an app offers it. It asks for a second proof, like a code, as well as your password.
  • Ask about a password manager. It is a safe app that remembers passwords for you. A parent can help set one up.
  • Log out on shared or school computers.

Tidy up your footprint

  1. Check your privacy settings. Make accounts private if the app lets you, and review who can see your posts and find you.
  2. Look yourself up with a parent. See what shows up about you.
  3. Delete what you do not need. Close old accounts and remove posts you are not happy with.
  4. Think before you tag. Ask friends before posting photos of them, and expect the same courtesy.
  5. Be careful with free apps and games. Check what they ask to access, such as your camera, contacts or location.

Privacy words to know

A handy glossary:

Digital footprint

The trail of information about you that exists online.

Passphrase

A long password made from several random words. Longer is stronger.

Two-step verification

A second check, such as a code sent to your phone, to prove it is really you logging in.

Phishing

A trick message that pretends to be from someone you trust so you will share a password or click a bad link.

Myth or truth?

Decide whether each statement is a myth or the truth, then click to check.

"If I delete a post, it is gone forever."
Myth. Someone may have already saved it, screenshotted it or shared it. Always think before you post.
"It is fine to share my password with my best friend."
Myth. Friends can change, or accidentally leak a password. Keep it between you and your parents or carers.
"A longer password is usually stronger than a short, complicated one."
Truth. Length makes passwords much harder to crack. That is why passphrases work so well.
"A message from a friend asking for my password must be real."
Myth. Their account might have been hacked. Check with them in person or by phone, and never send a password.
"I should use the same password everywhere so I do not forget it."
Myth. If one site leaks it, someone can try it on all your other accounts. Use different passphrases or a password manager.

Keep exploring

More guides on staying smart, thoughtful, and safe online.