Episode 8

Sophie's Lesson about Privacy

In this episode, join Sophie, a 13-year-old girl who loves sharing her life online. One day, Sophie learns an important lesson about online privacy when she starts receiving strange comments from people she doesn’t know. With the help of her parents, Sophie discovers the importance of controlling her personal information and the impact her online actions can have on herself and others.

Guided by her parents, Sophie embarks on a journey to understand the value of privacy. She learns to adjust her privacy settings, share less personal information, and think twice before posting. Through this experience, Sophie realizes that privacy is not just about keeping secrets but about maintaining control and protecting herself and her loved ones.

Main Learning Points:

  1. Control Personal Information: Understand the importance of not sharing too much online.
  2. Adjust Privacy Settings: Learn how to use privacy settings to protect your information.
  3. Think Before Posting: Always consider the potential impact of your online actions.
  4. Protect Loved Ones: Be mindful of how your online presence can affect others.

Join us as Sophie’s adventure unfolds. This episode is perfect for children and their families, providing both entertainment and essential knowledge about online privacy. It teaches young listeners the importance of maintaining control over their personal information and staying safe in the digital world.

Transcript

Once upon a time, a 13-year-old girl named Sophie loved sharing her life online. She posted pictures of her favorite outfits, her cat Whiskers, and even her daily adventures with her best friend, Emma. Sophie thought it was harmless fun and enjoyed her friends' and followers' likes and comments.

One day, Sophie shared a post about a new hobby she had picked up—painting. She uploaded a picture of her latest artwork and tagged her location at the local art studio. She was thrilled when she received lots of positive feedback and even a few new followers.

However, things took a turn when Sophie started noticing strange comments from people she didn’t know. One person even showed up at her art studio, claiming to be a fan. Sophie felt uneasy and decided to talk to her parents about it.

Her parents explained the importance of online privacy. They told her that by sharing too much information, she was giving up control over who saw and knew about her life. Sophie realized she had lost her autonomy and control over her personal narrative.

A few days later, Emma came to Sophie, upset. Sophie had posted a picture of them at a sleepover, and someone was using that information to tease her at school. Emma felt embarrassed and hurt, and Sophie understood that her online actions could impact her friends, too.

Then, Sophie’s cousin, who was applying for a scholarship, found out that someone had seen a picture Sophie posted of them together at a party. The scholarship committee questioned the cousin’s seriousness and commitment, affecting their chances of getting the scholarship. Sophie felt terrible for unintentionally causing trouble for her cousin.

To make matters worse, a classmate found a video Sophie had posted years ago showing her trying out a silly dance. The classmate shared it with others, and soon, everyone was making fun of her. Sophie felt humiliated and wished she had kept some things private.

Sophie’s parents also explained that some people might use her information for financial gain. Sophie understood that safeguarding her personal details could prevent others from profiting off her data or using it against her in harmful ways.

They also pointed out that privacy allowed her to express herself freely without fear of manipulation or repercussions. She could hold and share her opinions in a safe space, fostering her creativity and self-discovery.

Lastly, they emphasized that privacy helped protect her loved ones. By being more cautious about what she shared, Sophie could respect her friends’ and family’s wishes and keep them safe from potential risks.

From that day on, Sophie became more mindful of her online presence. She adjusted her privacy settings, shared less personal information, and always thought twice before posting. Sophie learned that privacy wasn’t just about keeping secrets; it was about maintaining control, protecting herself and her loved ones, and fostering a safe space for her creativity and expression.

So, Sophie continued to enjoy her online interactions but with a newfound understanding of the importance of privacy. She felt empowered, safe, and free to be herself, knowing she had control over her personal narrative.

About the Podcast

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Bytes of Digital Adventures
Stories about AI, Privacy & Safety for Kids

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About your host

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Angeline Corvaglia

Angeline Corvaglia is the founder and main creative lead of Data Girl and Friends. She is on a mission to empower young people, their parents, and educators to navigate the complexities of online safety and AI literacy.

Find out more about her at https://corvaglia.me/ or follow her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeline-corvaglia/