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Understanding what information is safe to share and what should stay secret.
Imagine you have a magic treasure chest filled with your favorite toys. Would you give the key to a stranger on the street, or keep it hidden in a safe place?
In the digital world, some things are meant to be kept secret. We call this Private Information. This includes details that tell people exactly who you are or where you can be found. Think of it like your toothbrush—it is yours, and you do not share it with everyone! Examples of private info include your home address, your phone number, and the name of your school. If you share these things online, people you don't know might find out where you live or play, and that is not safe.
Let's look at two pieces of information and decide if they are private: 1. Your favorite flavor of ice cream (Chocolate). 2. The street where your house is located ( Maple Street).
The ice cream flavor is Safe to share because it doesn't tell anyone where you are. The street address is Private and should stay secret!
Quick Check
Is your phone number something you should share with a person you just met online?
Answer
No, your phone number is private information and should stay secret.
Not everything has to be a secret! Public Information is stuff that is safe to tell others because it doesn't reveal your identity or location. Sharing your favorite color, your favorite animal, or what you ate for lunch is usually okay. It’s like giving someone a high-five—it’s a friendly way to connect without giving away your 'treasure chest' key. When we talk to friends online, we stick to these fun, safe topics.
Imagine you are making a profile for a school game. Which should you pick? 1. Username: CoolCat202 and Favorite Game: Tag. 2. Username: JohnDoe_123_MainSt and Favorite Game: Tag.
You should pick number ! It uses a nickname instead of your real name and address.
Quick Check
If a game asks for your favorite movie, is that safe to share?
Answer
Yes, your favorite movie is safe (public) information.
A password is like a secret code that locks your digital door. Even though you share toys with your best friends, you should never share your passwords with them. Why? Because if a friend accidentally tells someone else, your 'digital house' isn't safe anymore! The only people who should know your passwords are you and your parents or guardians. They are your safety team who help you remember your codes and keep them tucked away.
Your best friend says, 'Hey, give me your password so I can level up your character while you are at dinner!' 1. Stop and think: Is a password private? 2. Say: 'I can't share my password, but we can play together later!' 3. Remember: Keeping your password secret protects your account and your friend from making a mistake.
Which of these is PRIVATE information?
Who is it okay to share your password with?
It is safe to tell a new online friend the name of your school.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow, try to name 3 things that are 'Private' and 3 things that are 'Safe to Share' to your parents.
Practice Activity
Sit down with a parent and create a 'Safe List' of information you are allowed to share when playing games online.