Online Privacy and Security (JYU13)

Online delivery: This activity can also be delivered online, for example through video conferencing such as Zoom. The worksheets can be provided to students online (e.g., through Google docs). The discussion can be organized in small groups (e.g., in break-out rooms). The discussion can also be held together as a class.

It is important that the students learn to take initiative controlling their devices. In the delivery of this lesson, the teacher should make sure that the students focus on the task (instead of other interesting things that can be found on their phones). In this sense, the task also helps develop self-control. It is encouraged that tools familiar to the teacher and students are used to deliver this lesson.

1. Introduction (10 minutes)
   • Activity: Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of online privacy and security. Explain how personal information can be misused if not properly protected.
2. Privacy Settings Tutorial (15 minutes)
   • Activity: Use a tutorial to demonstrate how to adjust privacy settings on various devices and platforms (e.g., social media, email, browsers). You can share the screen of your own phone, or search Youtube for any (recent) tutorial that shows how privacy settings can be managed in practice. You can think of any apps that you know that your students use regularly.
   • Materials: Devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones), internet access, tutorial video or guide.
3. Hands-On Practice (20 minutes)
   • Activity: Students will adjust the privacy settings on their own devices following the tutorial. They should think about what apps they use and explore settings such as who can see their posts, location services, and app permissions.
   • Materials: Devices, privacy settings checklist (worksheet 1).
4. Group Discussion (10 minutes)
   • Activity: Students will form small groups to discuss what changes they made and why. They should also talk about the importance of each setting and any challenges they faced.
   • Materials: Discussion worksheet (worksheet 2)
5. Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)
   • Activity: Each group will share their key takeaways with the class. Discuss any common themes or important points that emerged during the group discussions.
   • Materials: Whiteboard or digital board for note-taking.

Worksheet 1: Privacy Settings Checklist

Review and adjust the following privacy settings on your devices. Note any changes you make and why.

Social Media – app name:

• Who can see your posts?

Options: Public, Friends, Only Me

Changes Made: 

Reason: 

• Location Services:

Options: On, Off

Changes Made: 

Reason: 

• App Permissions:

Options: Allow, Deny

App name:

Changes made: 

Reason: 

Email

• Spam Filter Settings:

Options: High, Medium, Low

Changes Made: 

Reason: 

Browsers

• Do Not Track:

Options: Enabled, Disabled

Changes Made: 

Reason: 

Other adjustments

·         App name:

o   Changes made:

o   Reason:

Worksheet 2: Discussion

Discuss the importance of privacy settings and the changes you made.

1. Which privacy settings did you find most important to change? Why?
2. Were there any settings you were unsure about? How did you decide what to do?
3. How do you think these changes will protect your personal information?
4. Did you face any challenges while adjusting the settings? How did you overcome them?

Worksheet 3: Reflective questions (together with the whole class)

Reflect on what you learned about online privacy and security.

1. What did you learn about online privacy and security?
2. What changes did you make to your privacy settings? Why?
3. Do you feel more confident about protecting your personal information online? Why or why not?
4. What questions do you still have about online privacy and security?