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Abstract: Children and young people are spending more time online. Face-to-face interactions with friends are being supplemented with digital communication. Australian children are particularly prolific users of the internet (Green et al, 2011). This online activity creates digital footprints. Digital footprint refers to the information and data that people generate, through purposive action or passive recording, when they go online (Thatcher, 2014). Digital footprints now play a role in people's employment and educational opportunities (Black and Johnson, 2010). In this context not having a digital footprint can be as serious as having a badly managed one. One way to address this is for schools to explicitly teach students how to develop positive digital footprints that will help, rather than hinder, them in the future.

"If you've scratched your head over suggestions to manage your "digital footprint," you aren't the only one. A surprisingly large percentage of people have never even heard the phrase, let alone thought about how to manage theirs responsibly. Among students, the percentage is probably higher. We'll talk about ways you can help students understand and manage their digital footprints before they get themselves in trouble."

After reading this article, I asked my 10 year old if he knows what his 'digital footprint' is...I was surprised that he did. It is vital to teach people about their footprint at a younger age, so they have time to be thoughtful about their digital lives.

This article is a little light on and it seems it could be the intellectual embodiment from an ad for a web domain vendor but it does highlight the need for a positive digital footprint in the future. This is a key driver in digital citizenry education and a positive approach to the 'digital footprint'. Though I have also seen the flip side warning that the reckless bravado of youthful antics can leave you with a footprint which haunts you like a ghost negating any job prospects. ie the scaremongering approach. I guess depending on the individual both approaches have value...? 

"Just like the footprint you leave when you walk on the beach, your digital footprint is the trail you leave about yourself when you're on the net. Anything you do online, including any profiles you have created, the sites you've visited and the online conversations you've had, add to this trail - even if you think you've been doing things anonymously, or have hidden them (e.g. deleted them from your computer)! "

We'll talk about ways you can help students understand and manage their digital footprints before they get themselves in trouble.

"Have you ever Googled yourself ? Have you ever checked your virtual identity? Do you know that you leave a digital footprint every time you get online? Do you know that whatever you do online is accumulated into a digital dossier traceable by others ? These and several other similar questions are but the emerging tip of the sinking iceberg.One that is packed full of concerns related to issues of our online identity and privacy issues."

"Published on 25 Sep 2013 Henry Sibley High School believes in educating students now for the digital realm of the future. This means being aware of the implications that today's online interaction can have down the road. This 15 minute video walks students through how to protect themselves online, and how to create and manage a positive digital footprint. Special Thanks to Azul 7, the University of Minnesota, and the Mendota Heights Police Department."

"When we are active online we are creating our own digital footprints. This area of the website will help you understand what that means and will link you to tools and resources for the ethical use of online media." This Library Learning Commons provides good information on Digital Conduct, Copyright and more

A great introduction to your digital footprint

"We often hear complaints about what students say and do online, but we often neglect to look into educators helping them manage their online reputation. This infographic is geared toward adults, but it can serve as a great starting point for conversations and activities that educators can engage in with students to help them to establish an active digital footprint that represents who they want to be perceived as online."

Excellent video showing the importance of knowing how to manage our digital footprint.

"From cyberbullying and photo sharing to digital footprints and online safety, the Connecting Families program helps parents and kids address important topics and have meaningful conversations about making great choices in their digital lives. This free, year long program includes everything parent facilitators need to encourage their schools and communities to use connected technologies in ways that are both fun and safe. Our resources include a step-by-step hosting guide, conversation topics, and printable resources to share -- all carefully researched and crafted by Common Sense educational technology experts. Get started with the Program Overview, and then follow the steps below."

An interesting way to support digital citizenship in Grade 6.

"Imagine if someone was following your every move no matter where you went, or what you did. It would be pretty scary but if you think about it it's not so different to the world we live in. Whether it's the information we share on the internet or our day to day activities. We leave traces of ourselves everywhere. Matt explains."

Older research but interesting to read.

Well developed video sharing the dangers of younger students not managing your digital footprint. See also www.thinkuknow.co.uk

"Inspired by an article about cyberbullying I asked my fifth-graders to write podcast scripts. They wrote about teasing, cyberbullying, gossip, intention vs. consequence, advertising, digital footprints and the lack of facial cues in electronic communication. Working mostly in collaborative groups, my students recorded complete "'casts" on our informal laptop studio."

"Social network sites must ensure that children's profiles are visible only to the child's friends and cannot be found on a search engine, the European Commission has said. The Commission adopted its stance after a survey (13-page / 198KB PDF) found that an increasing number of children were flouting social network age limits to set up their accounts. The survey was funded by the Commission and published by the EUKidsOnline network. EUKidsOnline quizzed 25,000 young people across Europe and found that 38% of children aged between 9 and 12 have a social network profile. The figure was 77% for children aged between 13 and 16. Most social networks ban children under the age of 13 from having profiles. "Growing numbers of children are on social networking sites but many are not taking all necessary steps to protect themselves online. These children are placing themselves in harm's way, vulnerable to stalkers and groomers," Neelie Kroes, Vice President of the European Commission for the Digital Agenda said."