What this chapter is about

Using the internet leaves a trail and carries risks. In this chapter we learn about digital footprints, good netiquette, protecting our work through intellectual property rights, cyber crime and how to stay safe.

1. Digital footprint and netiquette

A digital footprint is the trail of data you leave online, through posts, searches and messages. Netiquette is polite, respectful behaviour online: be kind, do not spread rumours, and respect others.

2. Protecting work: IPR and plagiarism

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protect a creator’s work: a copyright covers writing and art, a patent covers inventions, and a trademark covers a brand name or logo. Plagiarism is copying someone’s work and claiming it as your own, which is wrong. Open source software may be freely used and shared under its licence.

3. Cyber crime and safety

Cyber crime includes hacking, phishing (tricking you into giving passwords), ransomware, and cyber bullying. Stay safe: use strong passwords, never share personal details with strangers, and tell a trusted adult about anything worrying. The IT Act is the law that deals with such crimes.

4. Health and e-waste

Too much screen time can harm the eyes, posture and sleep, so take breaks and sit properly. Old devices become e-waste, which must be recycled safely, not thrown with ordinary rubbish.

Practise with the interactive

Sort everyday actions into safe and unsafe online behaviour by tapping. The interactive opens right here in the lesson.

Practice set A, multiple choice

Practice set B, short answer

Quick summary