How to keep your personal information private

Online gaming can be really fun. You get to play games you like, make new friends, and explore exciting worlds. It’s also important that you’re gaming in a safe environment.

An important thing for you to do is keep your personal information private. Here are some tips to help you do that.

What is personal information?

Personal information is any detail that can identify you. This includes your:

  • full name
  • address
  • phone number
  • school’s name
  • email address
  • passwords

Why is it important not to share this information?

When you share personal information online, it can be seen by people you don’t know. Some of these people might not have good intentions.
They could use your information to:

  • pretend to be you
  • send you unwanted messages
  • access your accounts
  • find out where you live or go to school

Tips to keep your personal information private

1. Use a nickname

When creating your gaming profile, use a nickname instead of your real name. Make it fun and unique, but don’t include any personal details.

2. Keep your passwords secret

Never share your passwords with anyone except your parent, guardian or trusted adult – not even your best friend. Make sure your passwords are strong by using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

3. Be careful when chatting

When chatting with other players, avoid sharing personal information. It’s OK to talk about the game, but don’t tell them things like where you live or what school you go to.

4. Check your privacy settings

Most games have privacy settings that let you control who can see your information. Make sure to set these to the highest level of privacy.

5. Don’t click on suspicious links

Sometimes, people might send you links that look interesting but could be harmful. If you’re not sure about a link, don’t click on it. Ask an adult for help.

6. Report and block

If someone is making you feel uncomfortable or asking for personal information, report them to the game moderators and block them. It’s important not to engage with them.

Talk to a trusted adult

If you’re ever unsure about something online, talk to an adult you trust. They can help you understand what’s safe and what’s not.