Remy Rosenberg

When you go to a high school party, you’re probably thinking about having a good time with your friends, not about protecting your reputation. But in 2025, every party is basically a danger zone for online content. Phones are out all the time, people are filming videos on Snapchat or Tiktok, and one careless mistake can end up online forever. Teens don’t always realize how fast something can spread or how long it can stick around, even after the party is over.

I’ve seen many people film things they shouldn’t just because they think it’s funny or because they just want to post something on their story. Sometimes the person in the video doesn’t even know they are being filmed. Once something is posted, even if it’s deleted later, someone could’ve screenshotted it, saved it, or shared it without you even realizing it. Suddenly a small mistake has the potential to follow you around at school or work and lasts well beyond the party.

This is relevant to high school students as they apply to college during their senior year. If a video of you doing something illegal or harmful gets posted publicly, colleges are able to see that from your digital footprint. My mom always tells me, “what goes online stays online,” and it’s true. One small video can undo years of hard work, good grades, and a clean reputation. It’s crazy to think that a video of yourself that you didn’t even know was taken can affect your future. And it doesn’t stop at college. Jobs and internships could look you up too.

Parties can be fun, but they also come with risks given that everyone has a phone. If you are not paying attention, you could end up in the background of a video or pictured doing something that can be taken out of context. No high schooler wants something bad to become part of their digital footprint.

According to Digital Risk Inc., “less than 25% of employees know the risks their digital footprints can create for their company.” This emphasizes the need for companies to educate their employees on the risks of digital footprint. Also, the World Health Organization says, “over a third (36%) of young people reported constant contact with friends online, with the highest rates among 15-year-old girls (44%),” showing that high school girls are most likely to be on social media.

How to Stay Safe and Protect Your Digital Footprint

  • Be aware of your surroundings. If you see phones out and people are recording, be conscious of where you are and what you are doing.
  • Tell your friends to ask first. Make sure you let your friends know that they need to ask before recording or posting anything of you or someone else.
  • Avoid doing anything you wouldn’t want to share. If something feels like it could be embarrassing or misunderstood online, don’t do it.
  • Check what gets posted. If someone tags you or posts something with you in it while doing something that could get you in trouble, ask them to delete it immediately.
  • Think before you post. Never post without thinking about the possible consequences first.

Conversation Starters:

  1. What would you do if someone posted a video of you from a party without asking?
  2. Have you ever seen a photo or video spread at school that shouldn’t have?
  3. Why do you think teens don’t always consider digital footprint when they’re hanging out?
  4. How do you set boundaries with your friends about what gets posted online?

Learn More

Savvy Cyber Kids educates and empowers digital citizens, from parents and grandparents, to teachers and students. Sign up for our free resources to help you navigate today’s digital world with cyber ethics. See more cyber safety and cyber ethics blogs produced exclusively for EarthLink. Looking for a social media parental control? Try a 30-day free trial of Bark. If you sign up after your trial, Bark donates 25% of your monthly fee to Savvy Cyber Kids.

Thank you to the Savvy Cyber Kid’s sponsors!

Interested in becoming a Savvy Cyber Kids sponsor? Email Ben Halpert.