Hopewell students learn less is more

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Michelle Nash

EMC News - Students at Hopewell Avenue Public School learned new tools of how to stay safe while using social networking websites during a talk delivered by Canada's privacy commissioner on Jan. 24.

Privacy commissioner Jennifer Stoddart asked a gym full of Grade 7 and 8 students who has a Facebook account and most of the students raised their hands.

According to Stoddart, an estimated 86 per cent of all Ottawa-area residents over the age of 12 use the Internet daily. With that in mind, the privacy commissioner listed a number of tools students should take advantage of when spending time on social networking websites.

"When you are young, you may do dumb things, but all those dumb things do not have to follow you as you grow up," Stoddart said.

Grade 8 student Cameron Stanley said she spends about three hours on the weekend and at least one hour every evening on the computer. Stanley has a Facebook account she said her parents monitor. She said she intends to apply some of the new tools she learned from Stoddart when spending time on the Internet.

"I am thinking when I am older it would be a good idea to have a Facebook account that is personal and one that I could share with my work friends," Stanley said. "I am definitely going to really think about anything before it is posted."

And thinking before acting was one of the things Stoddart highlighted as a wise strategy for Internet users to apply.

"As privacy commissioner, my job is about protecting your reputations online," Stoddart said to the students. "Learn to get into the habit of thinking before you click."

Less is more is another strategy. Stoddart told them they should carefully consider posting personal information, current locations and questionable photos online.

Smart phone technology, which can update social networking sites to the exact location of a user, is another concern, Stoddart said.

"Those phones are like a mini-broadcasting studio," she said. "You need to use precaution. Ask yourself who you are telling where you are. Think before you post."

The commissioner also touched on online snoops and impersonators.

Principal Nicole Turnpin said taking precautions while using social networking websites is something even adults have a hard time with.

"The Internet is an excellent learning tool, but you have to take precautions," Turnpin said.

Stanley, who has in the past had some trouble with friends playing around with the Facebook account online, said the assembly has opened her mind up about more ways she can take control of her own profile.

"It was very informative, I really am going to use some of these tips," Stanley said.

For a full list of the tools for students or more tips about privacy parents and students can visit www.youthprivacy.ca .