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Privacy Power-Up

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Lesson Plan

Privacy Protector Playbook

Students will be able to identify key privacy settings on common online platforms and understand the implications of sharing personal information online to make informed choices about their digital identity.

In today's digital world, understanding online privacy is crucial. This lesson empowers students to protect their personal information, control their digital footprint, and navigate online spaces safely and confidently.

Audience

9th Grade Group

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, slide presentation, and practical application.

Materials

Your Data, Your Rules (slide-deck), Privacy Settings Checklist (worksheet), and Who Sees What? (discussion)

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up: What's Your Privacy Vibe?

5 minutes

  • Begin with a quick poll: "On a scale of 1-5, how confident are you that you know who sees your posts/information online?" (1=Not confident at all, 5=Super confident).
    - Introduce the lesson: "Today, we're going to power up your privacy knowledge and make sure you're in control of your digital identity!"
    - Briefly introduce the concept of digital citizenship and online privacy.

Step 2

Your Data, Your Rules (Slides & Discussion)

15 minutes

  • Present the Your Data, Your Rules slide deck.
    - Facilitate discussion using prompts from the slide deck, focusing on understanding what personal information is and why it's important to protect it.
    - Discuss common privacy concerns and the concept of a digital footprint.

Step 3

Privacy Settings Power-Up (Worksheet Activity)

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Privacy Settings Checklist Worksheet.
    - Explain that students will work individually or in pairs to explore privacy settings on a hypothetical social media profile or a platform they are familiar with (if appropriate and school policy allows).
    - Guide students through the worksheet, encouraging them to think critically about each setting and its impact.
    - Circulate and provide support, answering questions as needed.

Step 4

Who Sees What? (Group Discussion & Wrap-Up)

5 minutes

  • Bring the group back together for the Who Sees What? Discussion.
    - Discuss key takeaways from the worksheet activity.
    - Ask students to share one new thing they learned or one privacy setting they plan to review.
    - Conclude by emphasizing the importance of regularly reviewing privacy settings and being mindful of online sharing.
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Slide Deck

Privacy Power-Up!

Are you in control of your online world?
What does "privacy" mean to you online?

Welcome students and gauge their current understanding of online privacy. Use a quick show of hands or a digital poll if available. Introduce the idea that today is about empowering them to be in control.

Your Digital Footprint

What kind of information do you share online?

  • Photos, videos, comments
  • Likes, shares, followers
  • Location data
  • Personal details (name, age, school)

Once it's out there, it's hard to get back!

Explain that every time they go online, they leave a 'digital footprint.' Discuss what kinds of information they share, even unknowingly. Emphasize that once something is online, it's hard to remove.

What's 'Personal Information'?

It's more than just your name!

  • Your identity (name, age, birthday)
  • Your location
  • Your interests and hobbies
  • Your photos and videos
  • Your conversations and comments

Why do we need to protect it? What could happen if it falls into the wrong hands?

Define personal information broadly, including obvious things like name and address, but also less obvious things like interests, browsing habits, and even emotional responses to content. Explain why companies want this data.

Your Privacy Superpower: Settings!

You have the power to decide who sees your stuff!

  • Every app and website has privacy settings.
  • They let you control:
    • Who sees your posts
    • Who can contact you
    • What data is collected about you

Think of it as customizing your online world.

Introduce the idea of privacy settings as their 'superpower' to control who sees what. Explain that different platforms have different settings, but the core idea is the same. Preview the worksheet activity.

Take Control of Your Digital Identity

You are the boss of your online information!

  • Be mindful of what you share.
  • Regularly check your privacy settings.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help!

Let's get practical with our Privacy Settings Checklist!

Summarize the key takeaways and reinforce the idea of being proactive. Encourage students to think about their own online habits. Transition to the next activity: the Privacy Settings Checklist Worksheet.

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Worksheet

Privacy Settings Checklist: Take Control!

This checklist will help you explore and understand the privacy settings on your favorite online platforms. Remember, your digital identity is yours to protect!

Instructions: Imagine you are setting up a new social media profile (or think about one you already use). For each category below, consider the privacy options available and how you would set them to best protect your personal information. If you're unsure, write down what you think is the safest option.

Section 1: Profile Visibility

  1. Who can see your profile? (e.g., Public, Friends Only, Specific People)



  2. Who can find you in searches? (e.g., Everyone, Friends of Friends, No One)



  3. Should your profile be visible to search engines (like Google)? (Yes / No)



Section 2: Posts and Content

  1. Who can see your posts/photos/videos? (e.g., Public, Friends Only, Custom List)



  2. Who can comment on your posts? (e.g., Everyone, Friends, No One)



  3. Who can share your posts? (e.g., Everyone, Friends, No One)



  4. How do you feel about being tagged in photos or posts by others? (e.g., Auto-approve, Review first, No one can tag me)



Section 3: Communication and Interaction

  1. Who can send you friend requests/follow requests? (e.g., Everyone, Friends of Friends, No One)



  2. Who can send you direct messages? (e.g., Everyone, Friends, No One)



  3. Should your online status (e.g., "active now") be visible? (Yes / No)



Section 4: Data and Permissions

  1. Should apps or websites have access to your location? (Always, Only when using app, Never)



  2. What types of data do you think apps collect about you (even if you don't explicitly share it)? (e.g., browsing history, purchase habits, time spent on app)






Reflection

  1. What was one privacy setting you found that you didn't know existed, or that surprised you?






  2. Why is it important to regularly review your privacy settings?






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Discussion

Who Sees What? A Group Discussion on Online Privacy

Now that you've had a chance to explore privacy settings, let's share our insights and discuss the bigger picture of online privacy.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was the most surprising thing you learned while going through the Privacy Settings Checklist Worksheet?



  2. Why do you think online platforms offer so many different privacy settings? What are the benefits and drawbacks of having so much control (or so little, in some cases)?






  3. Think about your own online habits. What is one change you might make to your privacy settings or your sharing habits after today's lesson? Why is this change important to you?









  4. How can protecting your privacy online connect to your real-life safety and well-being? Provide an example.









  5. Imagine a friend tells you they don't care about their online privacy. What would you tell them to help them understand its importance?











Wrap-Up Question:

On a scale of 1-5 (1 = still confused, 5 = privacy pro!), how confident do you feel now about managing your online privacy? What helped you feel more confident?

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