The internet can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Anything from research, to communication, to creation, to marketing, to entertainment can be done online and can help you be more productive.

Wikipedia defines computer addiction as follows:

"Computer addiction can be described as the excessive or compulsive use of the computer which persists despite serious negative consequences for personal, social or occupational function."


To find out more about screen addiction check out the following news report:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-27/screen-addiction-experts-raise-concer...

Want to know if you or your child might have a screen addiction (or video game addiction)? Try this link to take a quiz to find out:

http://netaddiction.com/self-tests/

Wikipedia defines Digital Footprint as:

"A digital footprint is the trail of data that is left behind by users on digital services.[1] There are two main classifications for digital footprints: passive and active. A passive digital footprint is created when data is collected about an action without any client activation, whereas active digital footprints are created when personal data is released deliberately by a user for the purpose of sharing information about oneself."

Robby Novak is better known as Kid President. He has osteogenesis imperfecta (aka Brittle Bone Disease), but he is "Creating Awesomeness" online by creating messages of hope and inspiration.

http://youtu.be/4z7gDsSKUmU

If you were an employer, based on the google searches, who would you hire? Your friend, your child, or Kid President?

Types of Digital Footprints:

None =You are invisible to the world online
Negative =You could lose out on opportunities
Positive =Opportunities open up for you

Put the internet to work for you! Think of it as your online resume or your chance to show the world how amazing you are.

You can start with an about.me page, a blog, a website, a YouTube channel, whatever will best showcase you and your talents.

http://youtu.be/xcmI5SSQLmE

Following the simple instructions on this poster can help keep your digital footprint a positive one.

http://youtu.be/Tjg-ovDjtkc

"Google Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, etc.) based on your queries." - http://www.google.ca/alerts

Google Alerts can be set up to notify you about the information found on searches of your name or family members names.


If something you don't agree with is posted about you, take action. This video will give you some tips about the actions you can take:

http://youtu.be/o8C1a2z_cuQ

Children are often unaware that there are real consequences for their behaviour online. The laws apply to them even if they are minors.

The link below shows what the RCMP has to say about Criminal Code Offenses that affect youth:

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/is-si/brochure/safety1316-secur1316-eng...

Just because you are using the internet in a positive way does not mean everyone else is.

Cyber criminals hide out online, waiting to steal your money, passwords, identity, or control of your computer. Worse they may be looking to physically harm you or your children.

http://youtu.be/GCWBf7WKYyA

Children are easily tricked into giving out personal information online which can lead to dangerous situations. http://youtu.be/DkQ8CcSL7TI

Talk to your kids and establish safety rules for what information can and can't be shared online. Let them know what is and isn't personal information. http://youtu.be/PS-t78Z1exQ

Check out the following websites for tips about keeping your children safe online and when using social media:

http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/kids-enfants/safety-internet-securite/int...

http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/kids-enfants/safety-internet-securite/pri...

http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/kids-enfants/safety-internet-securite/soc...

Check out the following websites to learn about some of the Common Cyber Scams:

http://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx

http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/recognizeit.html

RCMP Tips for staying safe online:

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/is-si/brochure/pio-prel-eng.htm


The following videos will show you how to keep your computers and other devices more secure:

Secure websites: http://youtu.be/DPYYw0cbrFE

Secure Wi-Fi: http://youtu.be/dyA2Ourpt6U

Secure mobile: http://youtu.be/gOTRBGsj0B4

Secure social media: http://youtu.be/W726-whX33c

The following video will show you some tips for creating secure passwords:

http://youtu.be/oOZIWxKnyVU


You can also use a password managers like LastPass, Dashlane, Password Genie or Norton Identity Safe. Password managers keep all your passwords in one place so there is just one password to remember.