Digital Footprint

In today’s digitally connected world, every online activity such as browsing websites, using social media, participating in online classes, accessing educational platforms, or using mobile applications leaves behind traces known as a digital footprint. Schools and educational institutions increasingly rely on digital tools for teaching–learning processes, communication, assessment, and administration. While these technologies enhance access, collaboration, and efficiency, they also generate large volumes of personal and institutional digital data that can have long-term implications if not managed responsibly.

A digital footprint can be both active (information deliberately shared online) and passive (data collected automatically through cookies, applications, and tracking technologies). Unchecked or poorly managed digital footprints may expose individuals and institutions to risks such as profiling, identity misuse, reputational harm, cyberstalking, and unauthorized data exploitation. For educators, students, and administrators, understanding how digital footprints are created, stored, analyzed, and reused has therefore become an essential component of digital literacy and responsible online behavior.

Cyber risks related to digital footprints, including oversharing on social media, unsafe online interactions, unverified applications, weak privacy settings, and lack of awareness about data permanence are increasingly common. These risks not only affect individuals but can also impact institutional credibility and learner safety. Addressing these challenges requires educators and school leaders to develop awareness of digital presence management, privacy controls, ethical online conduct, and strategies for minimizing negative digital traces.

While individual awareness is crucial, educational institutions play a key role in guiding learners and staff towards responsible digital engagement. Schools and educational bodies must promote clear guidelines on online behavior, encourage safe use of digital platforms, and foster a culture of reflection, accountability, and digital responsibility. Training teachers, students, and administrators to understand and manage digital footprints contributes significantly to building a safe, respectful, and trustworthy digital learning ecosystem.

The online training programme on “Digital Footprint” aims to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills of educators and institutional stakeholders in understanding and managing digital footprints effectively. The programme will provide conceptual clarity along with practical insights into how digital footprints are generated, how online actions can have lasting consequences, and how privacy and reputation can be safeguarded in digital spaces. Participants will learn strategies to guide learners in making informed choices online and promoting ethical and responsible digital citizenship

This initiative aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes digital literacy, cyber safety, and responsible use of technology in education. NEP 2020 underscores the need to prepare teachers and learners to navigate digital environments safely, thoughtfully, and ethically (Sections 23–24). In alignment with this mandate, Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET) - NCERT, Govt. of India (GoI), New Delhi- 110016 is organizing a five-hour online training programme in collaboration with CyberPeace.

The English version of the training will be conducted from 05 - 09 January, 2026, and the Hindi version from 12 - 16 January, 2026, with live sessions each day from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The sessions will be broadcast on NCERT’s Official YouTube Channel and simulcast on PM eVidya DTH TV Channels (6-12) and the Jio TV mobile application. All sessions will also be made available as recorded resources through a dedicated playlist for future reference.

Objectives of Training:​

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the concept and types of digital footprints and their implications.
2. Identify risks associated with unmanaged digital footprints in educational contexts.
3. Promote responsible, ethical, and reflective online behavior among learners and staff.
4. Guide institutions in developing practices for safe digital presence management.
5. Apply practical strategies to build a digitally responsible and footprint-aware educational environment.

Who can participate?

Students, Teachers, Parents, Administrators and all those who are interested.