Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 10

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define and manage your digital footprint.
• Identify and respond to cyberbullying.
• Recognize and avoid phishing and online scams.
• Understand and apply copyright principles.
• Evaluate the reliability of online information.

Lesson summary

The internet and email have become integral parts of our lives in South Africa, connecting us to information, opportunities, and each other.

However, with this connectivity comes responsibility. Just like driving a car, using the internet and email carelessly can have serious consequences, from falling victim to scams to unintentionally spreading misinformation or harming someone's reputation. This lesson aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital world safely, ethically, and responsibly, protecting yourselves and others from potential harm.

Lesson notes

2.1 Digital Footprint: Your digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind whenever you use the internet. This includes websites you visit, emails you send, social media posts you make, online purchases you complete, and even search queries you enter. It's like leaving footprints in the sand, except these footprints are permanent and can be seen by anyone.

Why it Matters: Your digital footprint can affect your future opportunities, such as university applications, job prospects, and even personal relationships. Employers and universities often search candidates' online presence to assess their character and suitability. A negative or inappropriate digital footprint can damage your reputation and hinder your chances. Active vs.

Passive Footprint: Your active footprint consists of the information you intentionally share online, such as social media posts and comments. Your passive footprint is the data collected about you without your direct knowledge, such as your browsing history and IP address.

Managing Your Digital Footprint: Think Before You Post: Before posting anything online, ask yourself if you would be comfortable with your parents, teachers, or future employers seeing it.

Use Privacy Settings: Adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see your posts and profile information.

Be Mindful of What Others Post About You: Regularly search your name online to see what information is available about you.

Remove or Edit Inappropriate Content: If you find content about yourself that you don't like, try to have it removed or edited.

Example: Lerato applies for a bursary. The bursary committee searches her name online and finds several pictures of her engaging in risky behaviours posted on a public Instagram account. Despite her excellent academic record, her application is rejected due to concerns about her character based on her digital footprint. This illustrates the real-world impact of an unmanaged digital footprint in South Africa. 2.2 Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to bully a person. This can include sending mean or threatening messages, spreading rumours online, posting embarrassing photos or videos, and creating fake profiles to harass someone.

Forms of Cyberbullying: Flaming: Online fights using electronic messages with angry and vulgar language.

Harassment: Repeatedly sending offensive, rude, and insulting messages.

Outing: Sharing someone's secrets or embarrassing information online.

Exclusion: Intentionally leaving someone out of an online group or activity.

Cyberstalking: Repeated harassment that includes threats or causes fear.

Cyberbullying in South Africa: Cyberbullying is a growing problem in South Africa, particularly among teenagers. The high rate of mobile phone ownership and internet access contributes to its prevalence.

What to Do If You Are Being Cyberbullied: Don't Respond: Responding to cyberbullies often encourages them.

Block the Bully: Block the bully on all social media platforms and communication channels.

Save the Evidence: Take screenshots or save copies of the bullying messages.

Tell a Trusted Adult: Talk to your parents, teachers, a school counsellor, or another trusted adult.

Report the Bullying: Report the bullying to the social media platform or internet service provider. In severe cases, report it to the police.

What to Do If You Witness Cyberbullying: Intervene: If you feel safe, stand up for the victim and tell the bully to stop.

Support the Victim: Offer support and encouragement to the victim.

Report the Bullying: Report the bullying to a trusted adult or the social media platform.

Example: A Grade 10 learner, Sipho, is constantly harassed on WhatsApp group chats with derogatory comments about his appearance. He feels isolated and depressed. This is a clear example of cyberbullying and highlights the emotional impact it can have. Sipho should block the bullies, save the messages, and report the situation to a trusted teacher or his parents. 2.3 Phishing and Online Scams: Phishing is a type of online fraud where criminals try to trick you into giving them your personal information, such as your passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account details. They often do this by sending emails or text messages that look like they are from legitimate organisations, such as your bank, your school, or a popular online store.

How Phishing Works: Phishers create fake emails or websites that look identical to the real thing. They send these emails or messages to a large number of people, hoping that someone will fall for the trick. When you click on a link in a phishing email or message, you are taken to a fake website that asks you to enter your personal information. The phishers then use this information to steal your identity or money.

Recognizing Phishing Attempts: Suspicious Sender Address: Check the sender's email address carefully.