Keeping Personal Information Private
Is it ok to share your account passwords with your best friend?
No, Passwords should always stay strictly private. Even a close friend could accidentally leak it or log into your account without permission. (The only exception is your parents or guardians).
What should you do if someone you only know online asks to meet you in person?
Say no and tell a trusted adult immediately. You should never meet up with an online stranger.
What does the term "digital footprint" mean?
t is the permanent trail of information you leave behind every time you post, search, or share something online.
Who is the only person (besides your parents or guardians) you should share your password with?
No one. Passwords must stay completely secret, even from your best friends.
What is "cyberbullying"?
It is using a phone, computer, or the internet to be mean, tease, or hurt someone on purpose.
What should you do if an app asks for your phone number to play a game?
Ask a parent or teacher first. Never type in your phone number without permission.
What is "cyberbullying," and what should you do if someone is bullying you online?
Cyberbullying is using technology or the internet to deliberately upset, tease, or hurt someone. If it happens to you, do not reply, block the person, save screenshots of the messages, and tell a trusted adult.
What should you do if a bright, flashing pop-up box appears saying, "You won a free iPad! Click here!"?
Do not click it and close the window. It is a trick designed to download a virus or steal information.
Why is "12345" or "password" a bad choice for a password?
It is too easy for someone else to guess, which means they could hack into your account.
If someone types a mean comment to you in a chat room, should you type a mean comment back?
No. Responding with anger usually makes the problem worse. Instead, ignore them, block them, and tell an adult.
Why shouldn't you post a photo online wearing your school sports jersey?
The jersey might show the name of your town or school, which tells strangers where you live.
If someone you met in an online game asks you to keep a secret from your parents, what should you do?
Tell your parents right away. You should never keep secrets with online strangers.
What does it mean to "think before you click" on a link sent by someone you don't know?
It means you should pause and check with an adult, because clicking the link could break your device or download a virus.
What kinds of characters should you mix together to make a password strong?
A mix of capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #).
What should you do if you see someone else being bullied or teased in an online game?
Be an upstander. Don't join in, and report the mean behavior to a trusted adult or use the game's "report" button.
If a website asks for your birthday to give you a "free gift," is it okay to type it in?
No. Your birthday is private information, and "free gifts" online are usually tricks.
If someone online starts asking you uncomfortable questions, what is the best first step to take?
Stop talking to them and block them right away.
If you are searching for a picture for homework and a website looks scary or weird, what should you do?
Click the "X" to close the tab and tell your teacher or parent.
Is it a good idea to use your pet's name followed by your birth year as a password?
No. People who know you can easily guess your pet's name or your birthday.
Why should you always ask your friend for permission before posting a photo of them online?
Because you need to respect their privacy, and they might not want that photo on the internet.
What is a safe name to use as a username on a gaming website?
A made-up nickname that does not include your real first name, last name, or age.
Why do some people pretend to be someone else (like a kid your age) when they are online?
They do it to trick you into trusting them so they can get your personal information.
Is it okay to download a new game onto your tablet or computer by yourself?
No. You must always ask an adult to help you download files so you don't accidentally get malware.
Why shouldn't you write your password on a sticky note and leave it on your computer desk at school?
Anyone walking by can see it and use it to log into your account.
If you are feeling very angry or upset about something that happened in a game, why is it a bad idea to text or message your friends right away?
It is easy to type something mean that you don't really mean when you are upset. It is always best to step away from the computer and cool down first.