What is a digital footprint?

Your child’s digital footprint includes everything that exists about them in the digital world.

Every day, whether you intend to or not, you are leaving behind a trail of data that puts together a picture of who you are online: what you are doing, where you are going, and why you are doing all these things. This picture is likely more public than you realise. For today’s children, the situation could be worse. Many grow up with digital footprints that begin before they own digital devices themselves, often created by parents or other well-meaning relatives who post about them online.

Digital footprints allow companies to tailor content to your child’s likes and dislikes; it helps universities check their background before accepting them; and it allows advertisers to track their purchasing behaviour, draining your budget in the process! While it is not possible to have zero digital footprints, you and your child can still take steps to reduce the digital breadcrumbs you leave behind while traversing online spaces.

Refer to this tipsheet to learn more about what are digital footprints and how to safeguard both yourself and your child.

What are examples of digital footprints?

Search history
Text messages, including deleted messages
Photos and videos, including deleted ones
Tagged photos
Likes/loves on sites like Facebook and Instagram
Browsing history, even when using ‘Incognito’ mode

Why does my child’s digital footprint matter?

Once information is online, it can be difficult (or impossible) to remove.
Your child’s digital footprint determines their digital reputation, which can be just as important as their offline reputation.
Words and photos can be easily misinterpreted and altered, causing unintentional harm or offence.
Content intended for a private group can easily spread beyond its original circle, hurting relationships and friendships.
Your child might not understand why their digital footprint matters yet. Be sure to sit down with them to explain the consequences of their digital footprint to them.

I don’t know how to talk to my child about this. What do I say?

Ask them what they would do if someone stood too close to them on the MRT or if strangers kept asking them personal questions – then ask them what this would look like online.
Look each other up online – they might be surprised by how much is already out there (you might want to have a quick check alone first, just in case).
Explain to your child how their digital footprints can affect their future acceptance into schools, universities, and jobs. These might seem very distant to them, but make it clear that these are consequences that will have an effect on their lives.
Go through our other guide on helping your child leave better digital footprints to know how to talk to your child.

What can my child do to leave better digital footprints?

Stop and think before they post, forward, or reply to something.
Tell them to use the Billboard Test: unless the thing they’re posting is something they are comfortable putting on a billboard for everyone (you, their grandparents, friends) to see, they should not post it.
Remind them that they are responsible for what they say about and to others.
Show them how to switch to private mode on their social media accounts, and remind them to check and update this regularly.
Ask them only to add people they know and trust as friends or followers on their social media accounts.
If they have posted content they regret, ask them to remove it immediately.
If someone else has posted content they are not comfortable with, they can report it to the site directly – most social media sites have reporting functions for offensive content.

if your child is making posts that are hurtful to themselves or others, ask them to delete the account or shut down their profile immediately.

What can I do to leave less digital footprints about my child?

Post less: Avoid posting about your child online – no matter how proud you are of their accomplishments or cutest moments, do not upload photos and information about them online.
Protect their privacy: if you must post, refrain from using details that may easily identify them, such as photos or adding location tags to a photo (e.g., of their school or tuition centre).
Check your friends list: make sure that the people who can see your posts are people you know and trust, so that all the information is kept ‘in the family’.
Ask them if they are comfortable: if your child is old enough, you can ask them if they are comfortable with you posting about them – this also teaches them the importance of asking for permission before posting about others in the future.

To leave less digital footprints, you and your family can use encrypted, privacy-friendly app alternatives such as Signal, Telegram, and Wire. However, remind them that this does not mean that they can say whatever they want online! Learn more about the different apps available here.

Useful links

Be Smart: Digital Footprint (Tipsheets)

Guide Your Child In Leaving Better Digital Footprints

The Digital Footprint: Your Child’s Public Resume

Educators: Lessons on Digital Footprints

Help Your Child Reduce & Protect Their Digital Footprints

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