Strangers Online — Not Everyone Is Who They Say

Imagine you are at a big costume party. Everyone is wearing a mask. It’s fun, but you don’t really know who is underneath each costume. The internet is a lot like that party. People can pretend to be anyone they want. That’s why it’s so important to have safety rules, just like you have rules for crossing the street. These rules help you have fun online while staying safe.

Making friends online can be awesome. You can play games and share interests with people from all over the world. But since you can't see them, you have to be extra smart about safety.Think of it like this: a person online who says they are a 10-year-old who loves soccer could really be a 40-year-old adult. They can use a fake picture and a fake name. Most people online are fine, but because some people lie, we need rules for everyone.Here are the most important rules to remember:Never share personal info. This includes your full name, school, home address, phone number, or photos of yourself.Tell an adult immediately. If anyone asks for personal info, asks you to keep a secret, or makes you feel weird, tell a parent or trusted adult right away.It is never your fault. If an adult online tr...

Diego, who is 11, loved playing his favorite online game. He met another player who said they were also 11. They were a great teammate, and they chatted a lot about the game. One day, the new friend asked, "What city do you live in? Maybe we can meet up!" Diego felt a little strange. He remembered the safety rule his parents taught him. He typed back, "I don't share that stuff online." Then, he told his mom about the conversation. She wasn't mad at all. She was proud of him for being smart and safe. Together, they used the game's report button to let the game's creators know about the account. Diego realized that following safety rules wasn't about being scared, it was about being in control.