Your digital footprint: Think before you post
Every post tells a story – make sure it’s one you want people to see!
Social media, online games, group chats and other digital platforms are part of everyday life for many of our students. Sharing photos, commenting on posts and connecting with friends can be fun, but have you ever stopped to think about what happens to the information you share online?
Your digital footprint is the trail of information you leave behind when you use the internet. This can include photos, videos, comments, likes, shared posts and personal information. Even if you delete something, it may have already been saved, screenshotted or shared by someone else. What feels like a quick post today could be viewed by others long after you have forgotten about it.
Your online reputation matters
The things you share online can influence how others see you. Friends, teachers, future employers and other people may come across your online activity, sometimes in unexpected ways. A post made as a joke or an angry comment written in the heat of the moment might be taken out of context or shared with a much wider audience than you intended.
Building a positive digital footprint means thinking about the impression you want to leave. Use your online presence to reflect your interests, achievements, creativity and values. Before posting, ask yourself: Would I be comfortable with my family, teachers or future employer seeing this? If the answer is no, it may be worth reconsidering.
Protect your personal information
Keeping your digital footprint safe is also about protecting your privacy. Information such as your full name, home address, phone number, school details, passwords and live location can reveal more about you than you realise. Even photos can give away personal details through backgrounds, school uniforms or location tags.
Here are a few simple ways to protect yourself online:
- Check your privacy settings. Review who can see your posts, contact you, tag you in photos or access your personal information. Remember that private accounts do not guarantee complete privacy.
- Think before you share. Avoid posting sensitive information or revealing where you are in real time. Be cautious about links, quizzes and apps that ask for unnecessary personal details.
- Respect other people’s privacy. Always ask permission before posting or sharing photos, videos or screenshots involving others. Something shared with you privately should stay private unless you have permission to share it.
- Pause before commenting. If you are upset, frustrated or under pressure, take a moment before responding. Online comments can have real consequences for you and others.
- Review your digital footprint. Look at your profiles, old posts, tagged photos and comments. Remove content you no longer want associated with you where possible, and adjust your settings if needed.
What if something goes wrong?
Everyone makes mistakes, and not every online experience goes to plan. If you share something you regret, act quickly: delete it if possible, review your privacy settings and ask for help if you need it. If someone shares your private information or an image without your permission, or you experience online bullying, you do not have to deal with it alone. Speak to a trusted adult, teacher or school wellbeing staff member. You can also find advice and support through the eSafety Commissioner.
The Victorian Government’s Safe Socials resources offer practical advice for secondary students on managing their digital footprint, maintaining a healthy relationship with social media and getting help when an online experience becomes unsafe.
Make your next post a thoughtful one
Your digital footprint is something you can actively manage. You do not need to stop sharing or enjoying the online world; you just need to make informed choices about what you post, who can see it and how it might affect you or others.
Before you hit post, take a moment to think: Is it kind? Is it safe? Is it respectful? Am I comfortable with it being shared beyond my intended audience? A few seconds of thought today can help protect your privacy, reputation and future opportunities tomorrow.
Find out more: Explore these Victorian Government resources for more information and practical tips:
- Safe Socials – Information and Resources
- Digital Technologies – Responsible Use: Resources
- Safe Socials – For Parents and Carers (Secondary)
Leesa Lewington
Student and Community Liaison