The Internet Never Forgets: Social Media Expert Warns Grade 7-12 Students
Paul Davis, an Online and Social Networking Safety Educator with over 34 years of IT expertise, delivered an impactful presentation to our Grade 7-12 students today. Through two tailored sessions—one for Grades 7-9 and another for Grades 10-12—he provided age-appropriate insights on social networking safety, digital citizenship, and the importance of managing one's digital footprint.
With a serious and commanding approach, Davis emphasized the lasting consequences of online actions. "Who owns your smartphone?" was his opening question. For students under 18, the answer is their parents; for those 18 and older, it's them. However, ownership comes with responsibility—every text, search, and post contributes to an individual’s digital footprint, which is impossible to erase.
Davis illustrated the depth of digital tracking, explaining how platforms like Instagram monitor scrolling behavior and group chat participation. With nearly 10,000 satellites out there talking to each other, every tap on a smartphone contributes to an individual's digital trail. He reinforced that privacy is largely an illusion, cautioning students about the pervasive reach of data collection.
Addressing cyberbullying, Davis acknowledged the importance of initiatives like Pink Shirt Day but stressed that true change comes through using your voice. He advised students never to engage with cyberbullies but instead to report incidents to a trusted adult or authority. Notably, he warned that students aged 12 and older could face legal consequences for online harassment, bullying, or inappropriate posts.
One of Davis’s most critical messages was the myth of deletion. Once a photo is shared online, it is permanently accessible and beyond one’s control. For those concerned about privacy, he recommended enabling ghost mode, turning off location services, and avoiding Snapchat’s MyAI feature. “Human traffickers love Snapchat,” he cautioned.
Davis also highlighted the serious legal implications of possessing inappropriate content. If a student is 18 or older and has explicit photos on their phone, they could face prosecution. He firmly stated, “Sexuality and social media do not mix,” reinforcing that the internet never forgets.
Despite these scary realities, Davis ended his presentation with actionable advice and reassurance for the students. He encouraged them to seek guidance from him, their Director, Teachers, or Guidance Counselors if they had concerns. “No judgment, no shame, no embarrassment”—now is the time to make a change.
His key recommendations included:
- Always think before you post
- Stop using Siri and Alexa—they are privacy-invasive
- Remove TikTok—it’s highly intrusive
- Cover your computer webcam—a simple bandaid can protect you and the camera
- Watchout for viruses - when clicking on links, downloading free movies and scanning QR codes (parking QR codes most infected)
- Read App permissions before downloading
- Avoid Temu, AliExpress, and DHgate—these platforms pose security risks
- Do not use DeepSeek - it is invasive and imperfect, ChatGPT is far better
- Unfollow private accounts or group chats with inappropriate content
Davis challenged students to go home tonight and Google their own names – “Jane Smith”, King – to assess their digital footprint. If under 18, they can request Google to remove unwanted content; if 18 or older, they must contact the individual website directly.
Ending on a positive note, he urged students to be mindful in their digital interactions. “Keep your head up! Stop looking at your phones—look left and right.” Make an effort to be serious, kind, and smart online.
His presentation left students with a clear and powerful message: the internet never forgets, but informed choices can shape a safer digital future.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
