Lesson Plan
Your Digital Footprint: Forever?
Students will understand what a digital footprint is, its permanence, and how to manage their online presence responsibly to protect their future opportunities.
In today's digital world, nearly every action online leaves a trace. This lesson is crucial for students to recognize that their digital footprint is a lasting representation of themselves and can impact their academic, professional, and personal lives. Learning to manage it responsibly is a vital life skill.
Audience
High School Students
Time
45-55 minutes
Approach
Through discussion, activities, and real-world examples, students will learn practical strategies.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector, Slide Deck: Your Digital Footprint, Script: Navigating Your Digital Legacy, Pens/Pencils, and Cool Down: Digital Reflection Ticket
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review all generated materials: Lesson Plan: Your Digital Footprint: Forever?, Slide Deck: Your Digital Footprint, Script: Navigating Your Digital Legacy, and Cool Down: Digital Reflection Ticket.
- Ensure projector/smartboard is functional.
- Make copies of the Cool Down: Digital Reflection Ticket (one per student).
Step 1
Warm-Up & Introduction (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Begin with a brief, engaging question to activate prior knowledge. (Refer to Script: Navigating Your Digital Legacy for opening remarks).
- Introduce the concept of a digital footprint using Slide Deck: Your Digital Footprint (Slide 1-3).
- Facilitate a short class discussion on initial thoughts about online presence.
Step 2
Exploring Digital Permanence (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Use Slide Deck: Your Digital Footprint (Slides 4-7) to discuss the permanence of online actions and real-world examples.
- Lead a discussion on privacy settings and responsible sharing. (Refer to Script: Navigating Your Digital Legacy for discussion prompts).
- Encourage students to share their understanding and ask questions.
Step 3
Managing Your Digital Legacy (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Present strategies for building a positive digital footprint and managing privacy using Slide Deck: Your Digital Footprint (Slides 8-10).
- Discuss the importance of a professional online presence for future opportunities.
- Engage students in a brief partner discussion about one strategy they can implement this week.
Step 4
Cool Down & Reflection (5-10 minutes)
5-10 minutes
- Distribute the Cool Down: Digital Reflection Ticket.
- Ask students to complete the reflection questions individually.
- Collect tickets as an exit pass to gauge understanding. (Refer to Script: Navigating Your Digital Legacy for closing remarks).

Slide Deck
Your Digital Footprint: Forever?
What does 'digital footprint' mean to you?
Welcome students and ask them to think about their daily online interactions. Pose the warm-up question: 'What does 'digital footprint' mean to you?' Allow for a few initial thoughts.
What is a Digital Footprint?
The Trail You Leave Online
- Everywhere you go: Social media posts, comments, photos, videos.
- Everything you do: Websites visited, search history, online purchases, emails.
- Often unintentional: Many actions leave traces without you realizing it.
Explain that a digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind from your online activities. This includes everything from social media posts to emails, search history, and online purchases. Emphasize that it's often unintentional.
Active vs. Passive Footprints
Active Digital Footprint
- Information you intentionally share.
- Examples: Social media posts, blog comments, online profiles, emails.
Passive Digital Footprint
- Information collected without your direct input.
- Examples: Browsing history, IP address, location data, cookies.
Clarify the two types: Active (intentional sharing) and Passive (unintentional data collection). Provide quick examples for each. Active: Posting a photo. Passive: Cookies tracking browsing habits.
Digital Permanence: What Stays?
The Internet Never Forgets
- Once something is online, it can be extremely difficult to remove completely.
- Screenshots, archives, and shared content can make old posts resurface.
- Consider the long-term impact of your online actions.
Introduce the concept of digital permanence. Ask students if they think anything they post online can truly be deleted. Lead into the discussion about how things can resurface.
Real-World Impact
Case Study: Consequences of a Digital Footprint
- College Admissions: Old social media posts affecting applications.
- Job Opportunities: Employers checking candidates' online presence.
- Personal Reputation: Content impacting relationships and trust.
Share a brief, age-appropriate example of someone facing consequences due to an old online post (without naming individuals). Discuss how employers or colleges might look at social media.
Your Future, Your Footprint
Today's Post, Tomorrow's Consequences
- Think about how your online persona might be perceived by future employers, colleges, or colleagues.
- Your digital footprint is part of your personal brand.
- It tells a story about you – make sure it's the story you want to tell.
Emphasize that what students post now can affect their future. Encourage critical thinking before posting. 'If your grandma saw it, would you still post it?'
Protecting Your Privacy
Understanding Privacy Settings
- Know Your Audience: Who can see your posts, photos, and personal information?
- Review Regularly: Privacy settings can change with platform updates.
- Think Before You Share: Even with strict privacy settings, content can be shared beyond your control.
Discuss privacy settings on various platforms. Highlight the importance of knowing who can see their content and regularly reviewing these settings.
Building a Positive Digital Footprint
Be Intentional with Your Online Presence
- Mindful Posting: Consider the impact before you share.
- Positive Contributions: Share helpful, inspiring, or interesting content.
- Showcasing Skills/Interests: Use platforms to highlight talents and passions.
Introduce strategies for building a positive online presence. Start with being mindful of what they share.
Cultivating a Professional Image
Strategies for Success
- Professional Email & Username: Use appropriate identifiers.
- Clean Up: Remove any outdated or questionable content.
- Google Yourself: See what others can find about you.
Continue with strategies, focusing on professionalism and online etiquette.
Your Digital Legacy
Take Control of Your Narrative
- Your digital footprint is a powerful tool.
- Manage it wisely to open doors, not close them.
- Every online action contributes to your digital legacy.
Reiterate the importance of a positive digital footprint for opportunities. Ask students to pick one strategy they can apply.

Script
Script: Navigating Your Digital Legacy
Introduction (Warm-Up)
(Teacher says): "Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something that touches almost every part of our lives: our online presence. Before we dive in, I want you to take a moment and think. What does the term 'digital footprint' mean to you? How would you describe it? Don't worry about being perfectly correct, just share your initial thoughts."
(Allow 2-3 students to share their initial thoughts. Acknowledge and affirm their contributions.)
(Teacher says): "Excellent ideas! Many of you are already on the right track. Our digital footprint is essentially the trail of data we leave behind as we navigate the online world. Think of it like a trail of breadcrumbs, but instead of leading you back home, it's a record of where you've been and what you've done online. Let's explore this further with our slides."
(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Digital Footprint - Slide 1-3)
Exploring Digital Permanence
(Teacher says): "Now that we have a better understanding of what a digital footprint is, let's talk about its nature. Have you ever heard the saying, 'The internet never forgets?' What do you think that means in the context of your online activities?"
(Facilitate a short discussion, prompting students to consider how even deleted posts might linger.)
(Teacher says): "You've hit on a crucial point. While you might hit 'delete,' content can live on through screenshots, shares, or archives. This brings us to the idea of digital permanence. Let's look at some real-world examples of how this plays out."
(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Digital Footprint - Slides 4-7)
(Teacher says): "These examples show us that our online actions can have real consequences. Now, let's discuss privacy settings. How many of you regularly check and adjust your privacy settings on social media or other online platforms? Why is it important to do so?"
(Encourage students to share their experiences and any concerns they have about privacy.)
Managing Your Digital Legacy
(Teacher says): "Understanding digital permanence and privacy is the first step. The next is taking control of your narrative. Your digital footprint isn't just a record; it's also a part of your personal brand. What kind of story do you want your online presence to tell about you?"
(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Digital Footprint - Slides 8-10)
(Teacher says): "As you can see, there are many proactive steps we can take. I want you to turn to a partner for just two minutes and discuss: What is one strategy you heard today that you can implement this week to improve or manage your digital footprint?"
(Allow students to discuss in pairs for 2 minutes. Bring them back together for a quick share-out if time permits.)
Cool Down & Reflection
(Teacher says): "Great discussions, everyone. To wrap up our lesson today and help you reflect on what we've covered, I'm going to hand out a quick 'Digital Reflection Ticket.' Please take a few minutes to answer the questions thoughtfully. This will serve as your exit pass for today."
(Distribute Cool Down: Digital Reflection Ticket and allow students time to complete it.)
(Teacher says): "Thank you for your thoughtful responses today. Remember, your digital footprint is something you build every day, and by being mindful and intentional, you can ensure it represents you in the best possible light. Have a great day!"


Cool Down
Digital Reflection Ticket
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Reflect and Respond:
-
In your own words, what is the most important thing you learned today about your digital footprint?
-
What is one specific action you will take to manage your digital footprint more responsibly starting this week?
-
Why do you think it is important for young people to be aware of their digital footprint?


Slide Deck
Welcome! Ready for Superpowers?
Let's discover your unique strengths!
Welcome the student and explain the purpose of the session. Keep the tone encouraging and supportive. Ask them how they're feeling and what's been on their mind lately, especially regarding social situations. Use this as a gentle lead-in to the topic.
What's an Impulse?
It's a quick, sudden feeling or thought that makes you want to act right away.
Introduce the idea of 'social superpowers' as skills that help us navigate social situations. Define impulse control in simple terms. Ask the student if they can think of times when their first reaction wasn't their best reaction.
My Impulse Triggers & Signals
- What makes me feel like reacting quickly?
- How does my body feel when an impulse hits?
Discuss triggers (what makes them feel impulsive) and body signals (how their body reacts). Guide them to identify their own triggers and signals. Refer to the Worksheet: My Social Superpowers to fill out this section.
Your Coping Superpowers!
Skills to help you pause and choose your best response:
- Deep breaths
- Counting to 10
- Quick break
Introduce the idea of coping skills as tools to pause and choose a better response. Offer a few examples like deep breaths, counting, or a quick brain break. Allow the student to choose one or two they want to try. Link to the Coping Skills Poster.
Power Practice!
Let's try out a coping skill together.
Guide the student through practicing one or two of the chosen coping skills. Emphasize that practice makes perfect. Use the Worksheet: My Social Superpowers for the practice section.
Social Superpower Activated!
How can your new skills help you connect better with others?
Connect impulse control and coping skills to positive social interactions. Explain that by managing impulses, they can respond more thoughtfully, leading to better outcomes. Ask for their ideas on how this can help.
Your Social Superpowers Kit
You have the power to choose your reactions!
Review what they've learned and encourage them to use their skills this week. Ask them to complete the last section of their Worksheet: My Social Superpowers as a commitment. Offer continued support.

Script
My Social Superpowers: Teacher Script
Warm-Up: Checking In (5 minutes)
(Teacher): "Hi [Student's Name]! Welcome! I'm really glad you're here today. How are you doing? What's been on your mind lately, or anything exciting/challenging happen this week?"
(Allow student to share. Listen actively and empathetically.)
(Teacher): "Thanks for sharing. Today, we're going to talk about something really cool: your 'social superpowers'! These are special skills that can help you feel more confident and in control when you're with friends, family, or at school. We'll be focusing on how you respond in social situations and how to handle those quick reactions we sometimes have."
(Transition to Slide Deck: My Social Superpowers - Slide 1)
Understanding Impulse Control (10 minutes)
(Teacher): "Take a look at this slide. Have you ever felt like you reacted really quickly to something, and then maybe wished you had paused first?"
(Allow student to respond)
(Teacher): "That's what we call an impulse. It's a sudden urge or feeling that makes you want to act right away, without much thought. Sometimes these impulses are great, but sometimes they can lead to responses we regret later."
(Transition to Slide Deck: My Social Superpowers - Slide 2)
(Teacher): "Now, let's think about your impulses. What kinds of situations or things tend to 'trigger' you to have a quick reaction? Maybe it's when someone cuts in line, or says something you don't like, or when you get really excited? We're going to use this Worksheet: My Social Superpowers to help us think this through. Let's look at the first section."
(Guide student through Worksheet Section 1: Identifying Triggers and Body Signals. Provide prompts like: 'How does your stomach feel?', 'Do your hands get clenchy?', 'What usually happens right before you feel that way?')
(Teacher): "It's really helpful to know your triggers and how your body warns you. That's the first step to gaining control!"
(Transition to Slide Deck: My Social Superpowers - Slide 3)
Coping Skills Development (10 minutes)
(Teacher): "So, once you notice those triggers and body signals, what can you do instead of just reacting? That's where your 'coping superpowers' come in! These are tools that help you pause and choose a better response."
(Transition to Slide Deck: My Social Superpowers - Slide 4)
(Teacher): "Here are a few ideas: taking deep breaths, counting to ten, or even taking a quick mental break. Which of these sounds like something you might be willing to try? Or do you have another idea?"
(Discuss and help student select one or two skills. Refer to the Coping Skills Poster and create it together.)
(Teacher): "Great! Let's actually practice [chosen skill, e.g., deep breathing] right now. We'll do it together. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale slowly through your mouth for six. Let's try it a few times."
(Lead a brief practice session.)
(Teacher): "How did that feel? The more you practice, the easier it becomes. Now, let's fill out the next section of your Worksheet: My Social Superpowers about practicing your coping skills."
(Guide student through Worksheet Section 2: Practicing Coping Skills.)
Positive Social Interactions & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
(Teacher): "You're doing great! Think about this: if you can pause and use your coping skills when an impulse hits, how do you think that might change your social interactions? How might people respond to you differently?"
(Allow student to share ideas. Guide them towards understanding that thoughtful responses often lead to better outcomes.)
(Transition to Slide Deck: My Social Superpowers - Slide 5)
(Teacher): "Exactly! When you manage your impulses, you can communicate more clearly, listen better, and build stronger, more positive relationships. These are truly your social superpowers!"
(Transition to Slide Deck: My Social Superpowers - Slide 6)
(Teacher): "Your final superpower task for today is to complete the last section of your Worksheet: My Social Superpowers. Think about one way you'll try to use your new skills this week. Remember, it's about trying, observing, and learning."
(Guide student through Worksheet Section 3: Planning My Superpowers.)
(Teacher): "Awesome work today, [Student's Name]! You've really thought about how you can take more control of your reactions and make your social interactions even better. Remember, I'm here to support you as you practice these skills. Let's check in next time about how it went!"


Worksheet
My Social Superpowers: Taking Control!
Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________
Part 1: My Impulse Triggers & Signals
Think about times when you've reacted quickly without thinking it all the way through. What happened just before that? How did your body feel?
-
What are 2-3 situations or things that often 'trigger' you to feel a strong impulse to react quickly (e.g., anger, frustration, excitement)?
-
How does your body usually feel when an impulse is starting to build? (e.g., heart racing, tense shoulders, hot face, fidgety hands)
Part 2: My Coping Superpowers in Action
Coping skills help you pause and choose a better response when an impulse hits. Let's pick some to practice! (Refer to your Coping Skills Poster if you've created one!)
-
Which coping skill(s) do you want to try when you feel an impulse? (e.g., deep breathing, counting, taking a break)
-
Describe how you would use this coping skill. (e.g., 'I will take 3 deep breaths and count to 5 before I say anything.')
Part 3: Planning My Superpowers for Positive Interactions
Now that you've identified your triggers and practiced coping skills, how will you use these 'superpowers' to have more positive social interactions this week?
-
Think of one specific situation coming up this week where you might use your new impulse control or coping skills.
-
What is one positive social interaction you want to have this week, and how will using your coping skills help you achieve it?
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My Superpower Commitment: I will try to use my chosen coping skill(s) at least [number] time(s) this week. I know this will help me have more positive interactions and feel more in control!
Signed: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________


Activity
Coping Skills Poster Activity
Objective:
To collaboratively create a visual reminder of personalized coping skills that the student can use to manage impulses and emotional responses.
Materials:
- Large sheet of paper or whiteboard
- Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
- Stickers or other decorative items (optional)
Instructions:
-
Introduce the Idea (2 minutes): Explain that a 'Coping Skills Poster' is a personal toolbox of strategies to help them calm down or think before reacting. It's something they can look at and use when they feel overwhelmed or impulsive.
-
Brainstorm & Select Skills (5 minutes):
- Review the coping skills discussed in the lesson (e.g., deep breathing, counting to 10, taking a quick break, positive self-talk, squeezing a stress ball, thinking of a happy place).
- Ask the student: "Which of these skills feels most helpful or appealing to you? Are there any other calm-down strategies you already use or would like to try?"
- Help the student choose 3-5 coping skills that resonate with them.
-
Design the Poster (5 minutes):
- Title the poster: "My Coping Superpowers" or "[Student's Name]'s Calm-Down Kit."
- For each chosen coping skill, write it down clearly on the poster. Encourage the student to draw a small picture or symbol next to each skill to make it more memorable (e.g., a cloud for deep breathing, fingers counting for counting to 10).
- Encourage creativity! This is their poster.
-
Discuss Placement & Practice (3 minutes):
- Ask the student where they might keep this poster (e.g., in their room, in a binder, on their desk at home) so they can easily see it when needed.
- Reinforce the importance of practicing these skills regularly, not just when they are upset. "The more you practice when you're calm, the easier it will be to use when you're feeling impulsive."
Outcome: A personalized and visually engaging poster that serves as a practical tool for the student to reference and utilize their coping skills.


Lesson Plan
My Social Superpowers
The student will learn to identify triggers for impulsive reactions, practice a coping skill to manage impulses, and develop strategies for positive social interactions, resulting in improved social responses.
Developing social-emotional skills like impulse control and positive social interactions is crucial for navigating school, friendships, and future success. This lesson provides personalized tools to help the student feel more confident and in control in social settings.
Audience
7th Grade Individual Student
Time
30 Minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, guided practice, and personalized skill-building exercises.
Materials
Slide Deck: My Social Superpowers, Script: My Social Superpowers, Worksheet: My Social Superpowers, and Coping Skills Poster
Prep
Review Materials
10 Minutes
- Read through the Script: My Social Superpowers to understand the talking points and discussion prompts.
- Print copies of the Worksheet: My Social Superpowers for the student.
- Prepare materials for the Coping Skills Poster (paper, markers/crayons).
Step 1
Warm-Up: Checking In (5 minutes)
5 Minutes
- Use the Script: My Social Superpowers to ask the student about their week or any recent social situations they found challenging or positive.
- Explain that today's lesson is about building their 'social superpowers'.
Step 2
Understanding Impulse Control (10 minutes)
10 Minutes
- Introduce the concept of impulse control and discuss how it relates to social responses.
- Guide the student through the first section of the Worksheet: My Social Superpowers on identifying triggers and understanding their body's signals.
- Discuss examples relevant to the student's experiences (while maintaining confidentiality and a supportive tone).
Step 3
Coping Skills Development (10 minutes)
10 Minutes
- Introduce a few coping skills. Focus on one or two that the student finds most appealing or useful.
- Use the Coping Skills Poster to collaboratively create a visual reminder of chosen skills.
- Practice a selected coping skill together (e.g., a deep breathing exercise, counting to ten).
- Complete the second section of the Worksheet: My Social Superpowers focusing on practicing coping skills.
Step 4
Positive Social Interactions & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
5 Minutes
- Briefly discuss how using coping skills can lead to more positive social interactions.
- Complete the final section of the Worksheet: My Social Superpowers by planning how to use their new 'superpowers'.
- Reinforce the importance of practicing these skills and offer ongoing support.