This module aims to:

• Promote effective and respectful digital communication practice,
• Increase awareness of online risks and support safe digital behaviour,
• Equip learners with practical skills for securely sharing information and documents using digital tools.
   

In this module, you will learn how to

• communicate clearly and respectfully in online environments
• identify common online risks and understand safe digital behaviour
• choose appropriate and secure methods for sharing information and documents online

After this module, you will be able to:

• apply netiquette in everyday communication, including multicultural and professional situations
• recognise unsafe messages, links, and websites, and respond appropriately
• organise, manage, and share information more safely using digital tools
   

USE POLITE AND CALM LANGUAGE. 
This helps prevent conflicts and makes it easier to solve problems together.

AVOID CAPITAL LETTERS.
Writing in ALL CAPS looks like shouting and can make people feel attacked.

WRITE SHORT AND CLEAR SENTENCES.
This makes messages easier to read on a phone and easier to understand for people who do not speak English fluently.

ADAPT YOUR STYLE TO THE PLATFORM. 
Short messages may be fine in WhatsApp or Telegram, but emails to employers or institutions should include a greeting, clear information, and a polite closing.

DO NOT SHARE PRIVATE INFORMATION OR PHOTOS WITHOUT PERMISSION.
This protects the privacy and safety of you and other people.

CHECK INFORMATION BEFORE SHARING IT.
This helps to stop rumours and false information, which can cause fear or harm.

BE PATIENT WITH OTHERS.
People have different digital skills. Being patient makes online spaces more supportive and friendly.

These rules are important because they help to create a safe, respectful, and effective online environment. When people feel respected, they are more likely to respond positively.

There are simple actions that we can take to protect ourselves. These actions are important because they reduce the chance that someone can access our device or personal information. Key measures include:

USING STRONG PASSWORDS
With many characters (for example, a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols). This makes it harder for attackers to guess them.

NOT USING THE SAME PASSWORD FOR EVERY ACCOUNT.
If one account is hacked, others can stay safe.

TURNING ON TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA) 
Such as a code sent by SMS or generated by an authenticator app (for example Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator). Newer methods such as biometric login or passkeys can offer additional protection, so even if someone knows the password, they cannot easily enter the account.

UPDATING PHONES AND APPS REGULARLY.
Updates often fix security problems. Without updates, devices may stay vulnerable.

AVOIDING THE USE OF PUBLIC WI-FI FOR SENSITIVE TASKS,
Like online banking or sending important documents. This prevents others from seeing personal data.

CHECKING APP PERMISSIONS.
Removing unnecessary permissions limits how much data apps can collect.

LOCKING THE PHONE
with a PIN, fingerprint, or face ID. This keeps information safe if the phone is lost or stolen.

STORING IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS IN CLOUD BACKUP,
Such as Google Drive. This allows us to recover our files if we change devices or lose our phone.

THESE STEPS CAN HELP US FEEL MORE IN CONTROL OF OUR DIGITAL LIFE AND LOWER THE RISK OF SERIOUS PROBLEMS.
 

CHECKING THAT WEBSITES START WITH “HTTPS”. The “s” indicates a secure connection. AVOIDING WEBSITES WITH MANY POP-UPS OR UNREALISTIC OFFERS. Promises of “free gifts” or “easy money” are often scams. DOWNLOADING APPS ONLY FROM OFFICIAL STORES. This reduces the chance of installing harmful software. NOT CLICKING ON UNKNOWN LINKS. Especially in messages from strangers. This helps avoid phishing attacks. NOT SHARING PERSONAL OR BANK INFORMATION THROUGH CHAT MESSAGES. Important information should only be entered on trusted, secure websites. USING WELL-KNOWN AND TRUSTED SHOPS WHEN BUYING ONLINE. Checking reviews and contact details makes fraud less likely. These practices make online activities less risky and support safe use of digital services in everyday life.

EXTRA WORDS, NUMBERS, UNUSUAL ENDING.
CHECK THE WEBSITE NAME, SMALL DIFFERENCES CAN MATTER.
 

Oleh receives a message on his phone saying that a package from an online shop cannot be delivered. The message includes a logo that looks familiar, and it asks him to “confirm his details within 24 hours” by clicking a link. At first, the message seems official, but the link includes strange numbers, and uses urgent language, which makes him feel pressured.

Before clicking the link, Oleh decides to check the official website of the delivery company. He enters his tracking number, and no problem is shown. He realises that the message is fake. To stay safe, he deletes it and blocks the sender. Later, he hears that several friends received similar messages that week.

This situation shows how realistic phishing attempts can look. Simple checks, such as looking at the link, the sender, or the message tone, can help stop personal information from being stolen.
 

Digital sharing is part of many daily activities. We share photos, messages, and documents to stay in contact with families, apply for jobs, or communicate with different institutions. Common sharing tools include:

• messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, or similar tools,
• email with attachments or links,
• cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox,
• collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Slack (often used in work or educational settings),
• private messages on social media.

THESE PLATFORMS MAY ALSO ALLOW PEOPLE TO WORK TOGETHER ON SHARED DOCUMENTS, PARTICIPATE IN ONLINE MEETINGS, AND COLLABORATE REMOTELY. UNDERSTANDING HOW THESE TOOLS WORK IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT HELPS US CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR EACH TASK AND USE IT IN A SAFE AND ORGANISED WAY.
 

DIFFERENT TOOLS FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS.
 

GIVE ONLY THE ACCESS THAT IS NEEDED.
MORE ACCESS = MORE RISK.
 

Digital sharing is used in many important situations:

• In work and job seeking, CVs, cover letters, and other documents are often shared online. Communication may also take place through platforms such as LinkedIn or online recruitment portals. When files and messages are sent in a clear and secure way, employers can receive and review them without difficulty.
• In education, schools may ask us to send homework, forms, or other documents electronically. Clear and safe sharing supports good communication with teachers and school administrators.
• In contact with public offices, documents may need to be submitted digitally. Secure sharing protects our personal data, such as identification numbers, during this process.
• In community groups, people exchange information about services, events, housing, or support. Respectful and safe sharing practices help maintain trust within the group.

USING CLOUD TOOLS AND MESSAGING APPS IN A CAREFUL WAY MAKES IT EASIER TO ORGANISE OUR DOCUMENTS, SEND THEM WHEN NEEDED, AND KEEP CONTROL OVER WHO CAN SEE THEM. THIS SUPPORTS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN PERSONAL, COMMUNITY, AND WORK-RELATED LIFE.
 

In a local online community group, people often share information about housing, job offers, and local services. One evening, someone posts a screenshot from a private message that includes a person’s full name, phone number, and home address. The screenshot is shared without permission, and it quickly receives comments from other members.

Several people express discomfort and explain that personal information should not be posted in public groups. A moderator steps in, removes the post, and reminds the group that sharing someone’s private details without consent can put them at risk. The moderator also suggests simple group rules to protect privacy, such as sharing contact details only through private messages.

This scenario shows how easily privacy can be harmed online and how respectful communication and careful sharing help create a safe and trustworthy digital community.
 

NETIQUETTE 
Basic rules for polite and respectful communication online. Netiquette helps messages stay clear and prevents misunderstandings.

PHISHING
A fake email or message that tries to make people click a link or share personal information. It often looks official but is used to steal data.

TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)
A security method that requires two steps for logging in, such as a password plus a code sent by SMS or generated by an authenticator app. Newer methods may include biometric login or passkeys. It helps protect accounts even if the password is known. 

MALWARE 
Harmful software that enters a device through unsafe links or files. It can damage files or collect personal information without permission.

CLOUD STORAGE
An online space where photos, documents, and other files can be saved, organised, and shared. Files stored in the cloud can be accessed from different devices.

BACKUP
A saved copy of important files, usually stored in cloud services. Backups help recover information if a device is lost or damaged.