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Lesson

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The Power of Digital Footprints

How might our digital footprints shape our future?

Grade

7

Time

45 mins.
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Objectives

  • Define the term "digital footprint" and explain how it can affect their online privacy.
  • Analyze how different parts of their digital footprint can lead others to draw conclusions -- both positive and negative -- about who they are.
  • Use the Take a Stand thinking routine to examine a dilemma about digital footprints.

Vocabulary Show definitions

digital footprint . invisible audience . persistent
digital footprint – all of the information online about a person, either posted by that person or others, intentionally or unintentionally
invisible audience – unknown or unanticipated people who might see information about you online, now or in the future
persistent – lasting a long time
Standards
This lesson meets standards for Common Core ELA, ISTE, CASEL and AASL.
Lesson video
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Topics

Digital Footprint & Identity Digital Citizenship & Literacy
Standards
This lesson meets standards for Common Core ELA, ISTE, CASEL and AASL.

Hey there! We've updated our curriculum!

This lesson will be archived in December 2026. 

We've updated and expanded it into the lessons below.

A social media profile of a girl named Sam Gamgee with a grid of photos showing their interest in plants.
Digital Footprint & Identity
Grade:
7
The Assumptions We Make
How do the partial pictures we present online shape how others see us?
Activities:
Media Analysis,
Personal Reflection
A depiction of student sitting cross-legged with a laptop and thinking with three portraits in the background with loading
Digital Footprint & Identity
Grade:
7
Care to Share?
How does audience influence what we share online?
Activities:
Card Activity,
Dilemma Discussion
Two teens are looking at each other while holding phones with a speech bubble that says, "Would you be comfortable if I
Digital Footprint & Identity
Grade:
7
Permission to Post
How does practicing consent strengthen relationships and promote respect for digital footprints?
Activities:
Dilemma Discussion

Get started with our improved Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum today!

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Lesson Plan

45 mins.
© Common Sense Media. Lessons are shareable with attribution for noncommercial use only. No remixing permitted. View detailed license information at creativecommons.org. Lesson last updated:

What You’ll Need

In Class

For Families

© Common Sense Media. Lessons are shareable with attribution for noncommercial use only. No remixing permitted. View detailed license information at creativecommons.org. Lesson last updated: