How can you protect your mentee's online privacy?

2 Educate your mentee

Another way to protect your mentee's online privacy is to educate them about the importance of being aware and responsible online. You can help your mentee understand the risks and benefits of sharing information online, and how to make informed choices about what, when, and with whom they share. You can also teach your mentee how to use privacy settings, passwords, and consent forms to control their online access and exposure. You can also encourage your mentee to report any suspicious or abusive behavior online, and to seek help if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

3 Respect your mentee's boundaries

A third way to protect your mentee's online privacy is to respect their boundaries and preferences. You need to establish a clear and mutual agreement with your mentee about how, when, and why you communicate online, and what kind of information you exchange. You also need to respect your mentee's right to decline or withdraw from any online activity or interaction that they do not feel comfortable with, or that violates their privacy. You also need to avoid pressuring, coercing, or manipulating your mentee into sharing information that they do not want to share, or that could harm them or others.

4 Model good practices

A fourth way to protect your mentee's online privacy is to model good practices yourself. You need to show your mentee that you value and respect their online privacy, and that you expect the same from them. You need to follow the same rules and guidelines that you set for your mentee, and that you agree on with them. You also need to demonstrate how to use online tools and resources ethically and responsibly, and how to avoid or deal with online challenges and issues. You also need to be honest and transparent with your mentee about your online activities and intentions.

5 Review and update

A fifth way to protect your mentee's online privacy is to review and update your online privacy practices regularly. You need to keep yourself and your mentee informed and updated about the latest trends, developments, and threats in the online world, and how they affect your online privacy. You also need to check and adjust your online privacy settings, passwords, and permissions periodically, and to delete or archive any unnecessary or outdated information. You also need to solicit and provide feedback to your mentee about your online privacy experiences and expectations, and to address any concerns or issues that arise.

6 Celebrate and reward

A sixth way to protect your mentee's online privacy is to celebrate and reward your mentee for their online privacy achievements and efforts. You need to acknowledge and appreciate your mentee's online privacy skills and behaviors, and how they contribute to their online safety and success. You also need to recognize and reward your mentee for their online privacy challenges and improvements, and how they overcome or learn from them. You also need to inspire and motivate your mentee to continue and enhance their online privacy practices, and to share them with others.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?