Building a Safe Online Identity

The Big Idea

If someone asks you your first name, that's fine — everyone knows first names. If they ask your first name and what school you go to and what street you live on — now they know a lot more than you intended to share.

The lesson at ages 7–9 isn't "never share anything." It's this: information combines. One piece is usually fine. Multiple pieces together can give someone you've never met offline a lot of information about your real life.

This activity will help you understand which combinations are safe — and which ones to pause before sharing.

Same Information, Different Combinations

Here's how the same information can feel very different depending on what else is shared at the same time.

Notice that Jordan never meant to share their whole daily schedule. But when pieces stack up, a picture forms that Jordan didn't intend to create.

What to Share, What to Protect

This isn't about secrets — it's about knowing which things belong to everyone and which things belong to your real life.

Biggest thing to remember: It's not one piece — it's combinations. First name alone is fine. First name + school + street is a lot.

If You Already Have Accounts

Many children in Grades 2–4 already play Roblox, Minecraft online, or use other apps where other people can see a profile or username. That's the reality — and this activity is for you too.

Don't have any accounts yet? That's fine too — this activity still applies. When you do set up an account someday, you'll already know what to keep private.

The Sorting Game

Read each scenario with your caregiver. For each one, talk about whether it's "Usually fine," "Pause and think," or "Protect this." There's no timer — take your time.

Online-Only Friendships

Sometimes you meet people online — in a game, in a fan group, or in a comment section — who seem really friendly. Most of the time, that's just people being nice online. And it's OK to be friendly back.

Talk About It Together

There are no wrong answers — just interesting ones.

• Look at something you use online together. What does your profile or username tell a stranger about you? What would you change?
• What's the difference between a "game friend" and a real-life friend? Does that change what you'd share with them?
• If you combined your first name, your school, and a photo of yourself — could someone you'd never met in real life find you in real life? Does that feel like too much?
• Is there anything you've shared online before that you'd do differently now?

Signs It's Working

• Your child can name the "combination rule" — that single pieces are usually fine but stacking them creates risk.
• They can distinguish between a display name and their real name without prompting.
• If they already have accounts, they can look at their own profiles with a critical eye.
• They understand online friendships exist on a different spectrum from offline friendships — and that's OK — without being afraid of all online interaction.