💻 TechnologyGrade 2Lesson 18
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Keeping Personal Information Private Online

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Identify information that is safe to share online and information that must never be shared online
  • 2Explain why keeping personal details private keeps me safe
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Mini Lesson

The internet connects you to millions of people all over the world — and most of them are friendly and helpful. But some people online are not who they say they are. Keeping your personal information private is one of the most important ways to stay safe.

What is personal information?

  • Personal information is any detail that identifies you or tells someone where you are.
  • Think of it as a digital address — information that could help someone find you in real life.

NEVER share online — private information

  • Your full name (first and last name together).
  • Your home address or neighborhood.
  • Your phone number.
  • Your club or team name and location.
  • Your age and birthday.
  • Passwords — never share with anyone except a parent.
  • Photos of yourself — only with a trusted adult’s permission.

OK to share in the right context — public information

  • Your first name only (e.g., "I’m Alex") — on sites approved by a parent.
  • Your favorite color, animal, or food.
  • A lesson project or drawing — with a parent’s permission.
  • Your favorite book or movie.

The golden rule — when in doubt, ask an adult

  • If a website or person online asks for any personal information, stop and ask a trusted adult before typing anything.
  • A safe website will never need your home address, phone number, or club name.
  • If something feels wrong or uncomfortable online, tell a parent or grown-up right away.
Private vs. OK to Share OnlineTwo columns: on the left, private information that must never be shared online; on the right, information that is OK to share with a parent's permission.NEVER ShareOK to Share*Full nameHome addressPhone numberClub namePasswordPhoto of yourselfFirst name onlyFavorite colorFavorite animalFavorite bookLesson project* Always ask a parent or trusted adult first!
Private information (red, left) must never be shared online; information that may be OK to share with a parent's permission (green, right).
When in Doubt, Ask a Trusted AdultA decision flow: website asks for personal info, then stop and ask a trusted adult. If safe, continue; if not sure, do not share.The Golden RulePROTECTWebsite asksfor personalinformationSTOP!Ask atrusted adultAdult saysOK - shareNot sure - NOWhen in doubt — do NOT share!
The online privacy decision flow — when a website asks for personal information, stop and ask a trusted adult first.
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Ask yourself: "If a stranger on the street asked me for my home address, would I give it? The same rule applies online."

Vocabulary
Personal information
Facts about you, like your full name and addresse.g. My personal information is private.
Private
Only for you and people you truste.g. My phone number is private.
Online
On the internete.g. I do my reading online.
Stranger
A person you do not knowe.g. Do not chat with a stranger online.
Trusted adult
A grown-up who keeps you safe — a parent or grandparente.g. I ask a trusted adult before using a new app.
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← Lesson 17: What Is the Internet and How Does It Work?Lesson 19: Ask a Trusted Adult Before Going Online →