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 gymnasium 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 age 12 are using the Internet daily.

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.

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 said, noting they should carefully consider whether to post personal information, current location 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." For more information go to www.youthprivacy.ca .