04: DIGITAL FUNCTIONAL SKILLS - ONLINE SAFETY

Learning Outcome 5.1

Understand key rights under data protection laws (including right to see personal data, withdraw consent, request rectification/deletion).

Activities

1. Research Your Rights

   • Use a reliable website (e.g., ICO.org.uk for UK data protection laws) to find answers to:

     • What is the right to access your data?

     • How can you withdraw consent for your data being used?

     • Under what circumstances can you request rectification or deletion of personal data?

2. Scenario Exercise

   • Imagine an online shop has your details and you notice incorrect information.

   • Write an email requesting your data to be corrected or deleted. Include:

     • Which data is incorrect

     • Your contact information

     • Request for confirmation once corrected

3. Reflection

   • In 3–4 sentences, explain why these rights are important for individuals.

Learning Outcome 5.2

Understand importance of protecting personal information and privacy online, and methods to do so.

Activities

1. Privacy Settings Exploration

   • On a social media account or demo account, explore privacy settings.

   • Adjust:

     • Who can see posts or profile

     • Location sharing (turn on/off GPS tracking)

     • Email notifications

2. Secondary Email Activity

   • Set up a secondary email address for signing up to newsletters or online services.

   • Explain why using a secondary email improves privacy.

3. Private Browsing Task

   • Open a browser in Incognito/Private mode.

   • Visit a website and compare how cookies/history behave compared with normal browsing.

   • Note 2–3 benefits of private browsing.

4. Reflection

   • Write 3–4 sentences explaining at least two methods you used to protect your information online and why they are effective.

Learning Outcome 5.3

Know how to backup files to the cloud.

Activities

1. Cloud Backup Practice

   • Select 2–3 files on your computer (documents, photos).

   • Upload them to a cloud service (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox).

   • Organize files in folders and name them clearly.

2. Restore Test

   • Delete a local copy and then restore it from the cloud backup.

3. Reflection

   • In 2–3 sentences, explain why cloud backups are important. Include a scenario where having a backup would help.

Learning Outcome 5.4

Know how to avoid exposure to malware (worms, trojans, ransomware).

Activities

1. Identify Malware Examples

   • Research definitions of worms, trojans, and ransomware.

   • List 1–2 examples of each type in a table.

Malware Type

Definition

Example

Worm

__________________

__________________

Trojan

__________________

__________________

Ransomware

__________________

__________________

2. 
   Safety Practices Task

   • Research or discuss at least 3 ways to avoid malware (e.g., antivirus software, avoiding suspicious downloads, not clicking unknown links).

   • Write a short paragraph explaining which method you think is most effective and why.

Learning Outcome 5.5

Know how to minimise health risks from device/internet use.

Activities

1. Screen Time Awareness

   • Track your device usage for one day. Note hours spent on:

     • Schoolwork/learning

     • Social media or entertainment

     • Gaming or video streaming

2. Health Risk Discussion

   • Identify possible effects: weight gain, decline in fitness, poor sleep patterns.

   • Suggest 2–3 strategies to reduce these risks, e.g.:

     • Take regular breaks (5–10 min per hour)

     • Stretching or short exercises

     • Setting device-free times before bed

3. Action Plan

   • Create a simple weekly plan showing how you will manage screen time and include breaks, exercise, and healthy sleep routines.