Keeping personal information private — Media, 7–10 years
Learn which details can identify you and how to pause before sharing them through a game, app or website.
Personal information points to a real person
Personal information is a detail that can identify or locate someone, such as a full name, address, school, phone number, password or live location. One detail may seem harmless, but several details together can reveal a lot. Privacy means choosing carefully who really needs to know.
Why keep some details private?
A game or website may ask for details to create an account, personalise content or send adverts. Sometimes it asks for more than it needs, or the information can travel further than expected. Pausing gives you control and lets a trusted adult check the request before you answer.
Worked example: a quiz app
A quiz app asks for your first name, age, school and a photo. First, stop instead of filling every box. Next, notice that the quiz does not need your school or photo to give questions. Finally, close the form and ask an adult to check it. You can use the app only if its request is safe and necessary.
The trap: a friendly request is not automatically safe
A colourful game or friendly message can make a request feel safe, especially when it promises a prize or new level. That reaction is reasonable because games are designed to welcome us. But a pleasant design cannot prove who receives the data. Do not share passwords or private details without checking with an adult.
Where this helps
This helps when joining a game, commenting on a video, entering a competition or using a classroom website. It also helps offline: you can decide not to tell a stranger where you live or when your family is away. When unsure, stop, leave the page and ask a trusted adult.
Keep exploring
Other languages
Loading MyLeoNes™…