Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can include sending mean text messages or emails, posting embarrassing photos or videos on social media, or spreading rumours online. Cyberbullying can be just as harmful as traditional bullying, and it can have a serious impact on the victim's mental health and well-being.
Here are some specific examples of cyberbullying that college students may experience
- Text messages or emails containing threats, insults, or rumours: Cyberbullies may send text messages or emails to the victim that are threatening, insulting, or contain rumours about them.
- Mean or embarrassing photos or videos posted on social media: Cyberbullies may post mean or embarrassing photos or videos of the victim on social media.
- Spreading rumours online: Cyberbullies may spread rumours about the victim online, often through social media.
- Harassing or threatening the victim online: Cyberbullies may harass or threaten the victim online, often through social media or gaming platforms.
- Doxing: Doxing is the act of publicly sharing someone's personal information online, such as their address, phone number, or social media profiles. Cyberbullies may dox the victim in order to embarrass or intimidate them.
If you are being cyberbullied, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are people who can help you. You can talk to a trusted teacher or any Leeds City College members of staff.
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Digital Footprint
A digital footprint is a record of your online activity. It includes everything you do online, from the websites you visit to the things you post on social media. Your digital footprint can be seen by anyone who searches for you online, including potential employers, colleges, and other organisations.
Here are some examples of the things that can make up a college student's digital footprint:
Social media profiles: Your social media profiles are a major part of your digital footprint. They can include your photos, posts, and comments.
Online activity: Your online activity, such as the websites you visit and the things you search for, can also be part of your digital footprint.
Email: Your email account can also be part of your digital footprint. This includes the emails you send and receive, as well as the attachments you send.
Online accounts: Your online accounts, such as your bank account and your credit card account, can also be part of your digital footprint.
Online comments: Your online comments, such as the comments you leave on blogs and websites, can also be part of your digital footprint.
It is important to be aware of your digital footprint and to take steps to protect it.
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Digital Portfolio
A digital portfolio is a collection of your work that you can use to showcase your skills and abilities to potential employers, colleges, or other organisations. It can include anything from your academic transcripts and writing samples to your creative work and personal projects.
Here are some tips for creating a digital portfolio:
Choose a platform: There are many different platforms you can use to create a digital portfolio, such as Google Sites, WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix. Choose a platform that is easy to use and that allows you to customise your portfolio to your liking.
Organise your work: Once you have chosen a platform, you need to organise your work. This means creating categories for your work and labelling each piece of work appropriately.
Choose high-quality images: Your portfolio should showcase your work in the best possible light. This means using high-quality images and videos.
Write clear and concise descriptions: Each piece of work in your portfolio should have a clear and concise description. This will help potential viewers understand what the work is about and why it is important.
Update your portfolio regularly: Your portfolio should be a living document that you update regularly with new work. This will show potential viewers that you are constantly learning and growing.
When choosing the work to include in your portfolio, it is important to choose work that is relevant to the audience you are targeting. For example, if you are applying to a design school, you would want to focus on your design work.
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E-safety/Netiquette
E-safety or netiquette is the practice of using digital devices and the internet safely and respectfully. It is important for college students to practise e-safety/netiquette, as they will be using digital devices and the internet for many different purposes, such as schoolwork, research, and communication.
Here are some specific examples of e-safety/netiquette:
Be aware of your surroundings: When using a digital device in public, be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your privacy. This includes not using your device in places where people can easily see your screen and not sharing personal information with strangers.
Be careful what you post online: Once you post something online, it is there forever. Be careful what you post, as it could come back to haunt you later. This includes avoiding posting anything that is embarrassing, harmful, or illegal.
Be respectful of others: When interacting with others online, be respectful of their opinions and beliefs. Avoid name-calling, insults, and other forms of cyberbullying.
Use strong passwords: Use strong passwords for all of your online accounts. This will help to protect your accounts from unauthorised access.
Keep your software up to date: Keep your software up to date, as this will help to protect your devices from security vulnerabilities.
Be aware of phishing scams: Phishing scams are emails or text messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or credit card company. They often ask for personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Do not click on links in phishing emails or text messages, and do not give out personal information to anyone you do not know and trust.
By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself and others from online harm.
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Fake News
Fake news is false or misleading information presented as news. It can be spread through social media, email, or other online platforms. Fake news can be harmful because it can mislead people and cause them to make bad decisions.
Here are some examples of fake news that students may encounter:
Headlines that are sensationalised or misleading: Headlines that are designed to grab attention and make people click on the link, even if the content of the article is not true.
Stories that are poorly written or edited: Stories that contain errors in grammar or spelling, or that are not well-organised, may be fake news.
Stories that are not from a credible source: Stories that are from websites or organisations that are not well-known or respected may be fake news.
Stories that are shared on social media by people you don't know: Stories that are shared on social media by people you don't know or trust may be fake news.
It is important to be aware of the potential dangers of fake news and to take steps to protect yourself. By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that you are only getting accurate and reliable information.
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Social Media
Social media can be a great way for college students to connect with friends, family, and classmates. It can also be a way to stay up-to-date on news and events, and to learn about new things. However, it is important to use social media wisely and to be aware of the potential risks.
Here are some tips for using social media as a student:
Be mindful of your privacy settings: When you create a social media profile, be sure to set your privacy settings so that only people you want to see your content can see it.
Be careful what you post: Think carefully about what you post on social media. Anything you post can be seen by anyone, so make sure it is something you are comfortable with everyone seeing.
Don't share personal information: Don't share your full name, address, phone number, or other personal information on social media. This information could be used by identity thieves or other criminals.
Be aware of cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online. If you are being cyberbullied, report it to the social media platform or website where it is happening.
Take breaks: It is important to take breaks from social media. Too much time on social media can be harmful to your mental health.
It is important to choose the social media platforms that are right for you and to use them in a way that is safe and responsible.