To help young internet users safely navigate today’s digital world, the Moose Jaw Public Library held a recent online safety workshop called Digital Footprints.
Digital Footprints was held on Sept. 7 and was led by James Miller, the library’s reference technician who helps patrons find books and runs several programs including Tech Time.
“The target audience was eight to 15 year olds (and was intended to) … get them thinking about… how they would like to curate their social presence for the future, what information they should be sharing, and what they shouldn’t be sharing,” Miller explained.
“Internet safety is more important than it has ever been,” he added. “It has gotten a lot more nebulous… and it has also gotten a lot harder to protect (your) information than it was when I was younger.”
The workshop was intended to teach children about the basic principles of online safety including the recognition of risks, understanding safe browsing, and interactive lessons helped young internet users safely access the digital world.
Miller said the program was “pretty good” overall and, out of a maximum of 12 openings, 10 guests showed up and a few parents even stuck around. The limited space, he said, was only due to a limited number of computers.
Digital footprints are the trail of data you leave whenever you access the internet including websites you visit, emails you send, and information you submit.
“We had a catchphrase, ‘Don’t yap about your yappy,’” he said. The phrase is a reminder not to share personal details including your name, address, phone number, passwords, birthdate, or any personal plans.
“None of that kind of stuff is really safe for sharing; that kind of stuff is very private,” Miller advised. “The way I put it, if the government wants that information probably don’t share it online.”
It’s important to think carefully before you share any information, he said. Sharing personal plans, your address, or details about where you live could be used by a bad actor to find out where you live. On the other hand, sharing personal opinions could also come with a backlash including the potential for cyber bullying.
The same principle applies when talking about other people. “If you wouldn’t want that shared about yourself, don’t share it about others,” he advised.
Now that the workshop has concluded, Miller said he may consider hosting it again — if there’s enough interest. Anyone who is wishing to learn more on the topic can contact the library to inquire and a second workshop could be expected for late 2024 or sometime in 2025.
Miller said you can also call the library with any further questions or bring up the topic at the next Tech Time workshop which is held regularly at the venue.
“If people wanted to just discuss internet safety, that’s something I’d be more than willing to talk about,” he said.” I can give as much advice as I can.”
In addition to workshops such as this, Miller said it’s always a good idea to do some of your own research and read widely on the topic. The public library has plenty of information and helpful resources on the topic.
To contact James Miller, simply call the library and ask if he’s available.
The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached at 306-692-2787. For more information, visit MJLibrary.ca or ‘Moose Jaw Public Library’ on Facebook.
Aaron Walker
Reporter
Moose Jaw Express
