Digital Media Literacy · 1st Year · My Digital World · 1.º Período

Online Safety and Privacy

An investigation into privacy settings, strong passwords, and strategies for protecting personal information online.

TL;DR:Online safety and privacy are core pillars of the NCCA Digital Media Literacy framework. For 1st Year students, this involves moving from basic rules to understanding the mechanics of security, such as how encryption works or why multi-factor authentication is necessary. In an Irish context, where social media usage is high among young teens, students need to be able to navigate privacy settings on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok effectively. This topic empowers them to take control of their personal data rather than being passive users.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• LO 1.3: Demonstrate safe and respectful behaviour online
• LO 1.4: Apply privacy settings to personal digital profiles

About This Topic

Online safety and privacy are core pillars of the NCCA Digital Media Literacy framework. For 1st Year students, this involves moving from basic rules to understanding the mechanics of security, such as how encryption works or why multi-factor authentication is necessary. In an Irish context, where social media usage is high among young teens, students need to be able to navigate privacy settings on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok effectively. This topic empowers them to take control of their personal data rather than being passive users.

Beyond technical settings, this unit addresses the social aspects of privacy, including the importance of keeping passwords private even from close friends. Students explore the risks of oversharing and learn to identify potential threats like phishing or social engineering. This is not about instilling fear, but about building competence and confidence. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of real-world scenarios.

Key Questions

1. How can I secure my personal accounts?
2. What information is safe to share online?
3. How do privacy settings work on different platforms?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

If my profile is set to 'Private,' I can post anything without risk.

What to Teach Instead

Students often trust their 'followers' too much. Active discussion about how followers can take screenshots or share information outside the private circle helps students realize that 'private' is a setting, not a guarantee of total secrecy.

Common Misconception

Strong passwords are just about adding a number at the end.

What to Teach Instead

Many students use 'Password123' style variations. Using a hands-on activity to compare the time it takes for a computer to guess a short password versus a long passphrase helps them understand the value of length and complexity.

Active Learning Ideas

Stations Rotation

The Privacy Audit

Set up stations for different platforms (Snapchat, TikTok, Gaming). At each station, small groups must find and list three specific privacy settings that protect a user's location or contact details.

45 min·Small Groups

Simulation Game

The Password Cracker

Students use a 'human algorithm' to try and guess passwords based on a fictional person's bio (dog's name, birthday, favorite GAA team). This demonstrates why personal info makes for weak passwords.

20 min·Pairs

Role Play

The Phishing Phone Call

In pairs, one student plays a 'scammer' trying to get a verification code, while the other practices saying no and hanging up. They then switch and discuss which tactics felt most convincing.

25 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important privacy settings for Irish teens?

Location services (Ghost Mode on Snapchat), account visibility (Private vs Public), and 'Who can contact me' settings are vital. In Ireland, many schools use Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, so teaching students to manage privacy within these educational tools is also a practical starting point.

How can active learning improve online safety skills?

Safety is a set of behaviors, not just facts. Active learning strategies like role-playing 'refusal skills' or conducting a 'privacy audit' allow students to practice these behaviors in a safe environment. Instead of just hearing about risks, they actively build the 'muscle memory' needed to secure their accounts and respond to threats.

Should I teach students about Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Absolutely. It is now a standard security measure. Explain it as 'something you know' (password) plus 'something you have' (phone). Using a simple classroom simulation where one student needs two different 'keys' to open a box can make this technical concept very clear.

How do I handle students who have already experienced a hack?

Use it as a teaching moment without shaming. Focus on the recovery steps: changing passwords, notifying the platform, and telling a trusted adult. This shifts the focus from the mistake to the solution and empowers the whole class with a clear action plan.