Cyber Relationships, Communication and Online Safety for SS 1

Online (Cyber) Relationship and Communication

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the digital etiquette in online discussions;
2. discuss cyber safety measures;
3. navigate privacy settings to prevent cyber-attack.

Meaning of Online (Cyber) Relationships and Communication

An online relationship is a social connection formed and maintained between individuals through the use of the internet and digital communication tools.

Cyber communication is the exchange of information, ideas, or messages using digital platforms, networks, and electronic devices.

In modern society, digital platforms have become primary spaces for interaction, learning, and civic engagement. As citizens interact in these virtual spaces, maintaining respectful relationships and secure communication channels is essential for personal safety and social harmony.

Digital Etiquette in Online Discussions

Digital etiquette, often referred to as netiquette, is the set of rules and social conventions governing polite and respectful behaviour in online environments.

Just as physical communities require rules of conduct to ensure peace and mutual respect, digital spaces require guidelines to prevent conflict, protect reputations, and foster productive discussions. Observing digital etiquette helps individuals build a positive digital footprint and maintain healthy online relationships.

The core rules of digital etiquette in online discussions include:

1. Using respectful language: Avoid abusive words, insults, or offensive slang when communicating with others in forums, chat rooms, or social media comment sections.
2. Avoiding the use of all capital letters: Writing sentences in all capital letters is widely interpreted as shouting in digital communication and should be avoided to maintain a calm tone.
3. Respecting the privacy of others: Do not share private messages, photos, or personal details of other individuals without their explicit permission.
4. Verifying information before sharing: Avoid spreading unverified news, rumours, or misleading information, as this can cause panic or damage reputations.
5. Staying on topic: Keep contributions relevant to the subject of discussion in educational groups, forums, or community chats.
6. Acknowledging sources: Give proper credit to the original authors or creators when sharing articles, images, or intellectual property.
7. Exercising empathy and self-control: Think about how words might affect the reader before posting comments, and avoid responding to provocations with anger.

Cyber Safety Measures

Cyber safety is the safe and responsible use of information and communication technology to protect personal information and maintain security online.

The internet presents various risks, including identity theft, cyberbullying, phishing, and unauthorized access to personal accounts. Implementing safety measures is critical to protecting personal data and preventing financial or emotional harm.

The essential measures for ensuring cyber safety include:

1. Creating strong and unique passwords: Use a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters for every account, avoiding easily guessed information like names or birthdates.
2. Enabling multi-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code sent to a mobile device or email in addition to the standard password.
3. Avoiding the sharing of sensitive personal information: Keep details such as home addresses, school names, phone numbers, and bank details private.
4. Recognizing phishing attempts: Do not click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders in emails, text messages, or chat applications.
5. Using secure networks: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions, such as logging into bank accounts or school portals, on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
6. Keeping software and operating systems updated: Regularly install updates on mobile devices and computers to protect against security vulnerabilities.
7. Reporting and blocking suspicious users: Use the built-in tools on social media platforms to block and report individuals who engage in harassment, spamming, or suspicious behaviour.

Navigating Privacy Settings to Prevent Cyber-Attacks

A privacy setting is a control on a digital platform that allows users to manage who can view their profile, access their personal information, or contact them.

A cyber-attack is an unauthorized attempt by individuals or groups to access, damage, alter, or steal information from a computer system, network, or digital account.

Navigating and configuring privacy settings is a practical skill that acts as a primary shield against cyber-attacks. By restricting the amount of information visible to the public, individuals reduce the risk of social engineering, identity theft, and unauthorized account takeovers.

How to Navigate Privacy Settings on a Messaging Platform

This practical procedure guides learners through securing a digital account on a standard messaging or social media application to prevent unauthorized access and cyber-attacks.

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Open the application on the mobile device or computer.
2. Locate and tap the menu icon, usually represented by three vertical dots or a gear symbol, to open the settings menu.
3. Select the option labeled “Settings” or “Account Settings” from the dropdown list.
4. Tap on “Privacy” to access the security and visibility controls.
5. Adjust the visibility of personal details, such as “Last Seen”, “Profile Photo”, and “About”, by changing the setting from “Everyone” to “My Contacts” or “Nobody”.
6. Navigate to the “Groups” setting and restrict who can add the account to group chats, preferably selecting “My Contacts” to prevent random additions by spammers.
7. Scroll down to locate the “Two-Step Verification” or “Two-Factor Authentication” option under the Account or Security settings.
8. Enable the verification feature by entering a secure six-digit personal identification number (PIN) and a recovery email address.
9. Save the changes and exit the settings menu to apply the new security configurations.