Digital Footprint & Online Identity

At Lithia Springs Elementary School, we believe in empowering our students with the knowledge to be good digital citizens. Explore books, websites, and fun activities designed to help you make smart choices online. This guide introduces students, families, and educators to the concept of a digital footprint: the trail of information we create whenever we use the internet. 

Your digital footprint explained

Just like footprints you leave on the ground, a digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind online. We'll show you how to manage your digital footprint, protect your privacy, and understand the long-term impact of your online activities. Here are some helpful sources to explain the concept of a digital footprint:

1. This video ("What is a Digital Footprint?") explains what a digital footprint is on a basic, easy-to-understand level. It highlights that digital footprints can be positive or negative and may last a long time, and encourages viewers to think carefully before posting and consider how their online actions reflect who they are.

2. This resource( What are digital Footprints?)explains that a digital footprint is the trail of information people leave behind when using the internet. It describes how online actions, such as browsing, posting, and sharing, can create both positive and negative impressions that may be seen by others.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z8kdqfr#zd8w7yc

Resources for responsible online behavior

The resources below help learners understand how online actions shape reputation, privacy, and identity, and how to make thoughtful, responsible choices in digital spaces.

3. Netsmartz Video Series is a collection of animated safety videos teaching children how online choices affect privacy, reputation, and long‑term digital identity. These videos have full-length seasons on digital safety, using fun animated characters to teach important lessons.

https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/videos?gad_source=1

4. Online Safety (for Kids) is a clear, student‑friendly article explaining how online behavior creates a digital footprint and how to protect personal information and privacy. The topics discussed include online identities, privacy, social media, and cyber-bullying.

  https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/online-id.html

5. This U.S. government page, Protecting Kids Online,  helps students and families understand privacy, data collection, and how online actions shape digital identity. There are links to tips on online safety and privacy (as well as on gaming and cell phones), including a downloadable lesson plan called "Youville."  

https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/protecting-kids-online

6. This poster gives five good tips for students to maintain online safety. While parent-friendly, the poster features elementary student-targeted language and easy-to-follow tips.

7. Here is a cute video about digital footprints called "Follow the Digital Trail." It emphasizes the importance of being safe, responsible, and respectful online, especially by avoiding sharing private information. The video encourages users to pause and think before posting and to ask a trusted adult if they are unsure about what is appropriate to share.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bRZdUtmH8k

8. This resource is another video by Common Sense Education for younger elementary students comparing the internet to a neighborhood and teaching safe, responsible online behavior. It emphasizes safe online behavior by encouraging children to ask permission before going online, only talk to people they know, and visit age-appropriate websites. The overall message is that while the internet is fun, users must be careful and follow basic safety rules.

Understanding your online identity

What does it mean to have an online identity? It's how people see you in the digital world. Everything you do online, from posting pictures to playing games, helps create this identity. Learn how to make yours positive and safe with our helpful resources.

9. This video explores how people may present themselves differently online, especially when their identity is not fully known, through a teenager named Henry's narrative. It shows how anonymity can allow individuals to avoid judgment—such as being treated differently because of age—and instead be evaluated based on their ideas and contributions. The video highlights how online spaces can remove certain social barriers, but also raise questions about authenticity and identity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv6ob9YerrM