A 4-Day Interactive Program | In-Person or Virtual | Fully Customizable
Digital Footprints is a comprehensive, interactive workshop designed to help First Nations youth understand how their online activity impacts their safety, mental health, reputation, and future opportunities.
Social media and digital platforms are a major part of young people’s lives. This workshop creates a safe, engaging space where youth learn how to navigate the online world responsibly, protect their privacy, recognize risks, and build a positive digital presence.
The program is hands-on, discussion-based, and youth-friendly, using real-life examples, scenarios, group activities, and practical tools youth can apply immediately.
Who This Workshop Is For
- First Nations youth ages 11+
- School-based and community youth programs
- Prevention, wellness, and Jordan’s Principle programming
- Youth who are active on social media and digital platforms
- Youth with limited knowledge of online safety or digital citizenship
Program Overview
Digital Footprints helps youth understand that what happens online can have real-world consequences — while also showing them how digital spaces can be used for connection, creativity, advocacy, and positive change.
Participants explore how posts, messages, images, and interactions create a digital footprint that can impact:
- Mental health
- Relationships
- School and employment opportunities
- Personal safety
- Reputation and identity
The focus is on awareness, empowerment, and responsible decision-making, not fear or punishment.
What Youth Will Learn
Throughout the 4-day workshop, participants explore:
Online Safety & Awareness
- Why online safety matters
- Common risks and challenges youth face online
- Identifying unsafe situations and behaviours
- Understanding online privacy
- The consequences of sharing personal information
Digital Footprints & Online Reputation
- What a digital footprint is
- How online actions follow you
- Online reputation management
- Making thoughtful, informed choices online
Cyberbullying & Online Harassment
- What cyberbullying is and how it affects youth
- Recognizing cyberbullying and online harassment
- How to report and respond safely
- Strategies for dealing with cyberbullies
- Supporting peers who experience online harm
Online Relationships & Manipulation
- Risks and dangers of online relationships
- Staying safe when meeting new people online
- Recognizing manipulation, grooming, and pressure
- Trust, boundaries, and personal safety
Digital Citizenship & Responsibility
- What it means to be a responsible digital citizen
- Promoting respectful online behaviour
- Developing a positive digital identity
- Using digital platforms for positivity, advocacy, and activism
Mental Health & Technology Balance
- The impact of social media on mental health
- Comparison, pressure, and online stress
- Managing screen time
- Building healthy technology habits
Program Structure (4 Days)
While fully customizable, Digital Footprints is commonly delivered as a 4-day program, with each day building on the last.
Typical themes include:
- Online safety, privacy, and digital footprints
- Cyberbullying, harassment, and digital responsibility
- Online relationships and manipulation awareness
- Mental health, balance, and positive digital identity
Each day includes:
- Interactive discussions
- Real-life scenarios
- Group activities
- Reflection and skill-building exercises
Fully Customizable to Community Needs
Digital Footprints is fully flexible. Communities can customize:
- Program length and scheduling
- Age focus (early teens vs. older youth)
- Delivery format (in-person or virtual)
- Integration with school, prevention, or wellness programming
We work closely with communities to ensure the content reflects local realities, youth needs, and community priorities.
First Nations–Focused & Youth-Centred
This workshop is delivered with an understanding of the unique challenges First Nations youth may face online, including:
- Mental health stressors
- Peer pressure and cyberbullying
- Limited access to digital safety education
- The importance of identity, respect, and community values
The approach is:
- Trauma-aware
- Strengths-based
- Non-judgmental
- Focused on safety, empowerment, and choice
Youth are never forced to share personal experiences.
Why Communities Bring Digital Footprints In
Communities choose Digital Footprints because it:
- Promotes online safety and awareness
- Reduces cyberbullying and online harm
- Supports youth mental health and wellness
- Encourages responsible digital behaviour
- Builds confidence and critical thinking
- Keeps youth engaged and participating
Why Funders Support This Program
Funders value Digital Footprints because it:
- Supports youth safety and prevention
- Builds digital literacy and responsibility
- Promotes mental wellness and healthy behaviour
- Reduces risk and harm
- Aligns with prevention, education, and youth wellness funding priorities
Outcomes Youth Can Expect
After completing Digital Footprints, youth often leave with:
- Greater confidence navigating digital spaces
- Improved awareness of online risks
- Stronger boundaries and safety strategies
- Better understanding of digital footprints and reputation
- Increased empathy and respect online
- Healthier relationships with technology
Bring Digital Footprints to Your Community
If your community is seeking a relevant, engaging, First Nations–focused youth workshop on online safety and digital responsibility, Digital Footprints equips youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
