How to Choose a Safe Screen Name

Staying safe on the Internet starts with your screen name, which is your Internet identity. Your screen name should not contain personal information or any part of your actual name. Screen names should be chosen with safety in mind.

Instructions

1. Choose a screen name that is gender neutral. This is especially important for girls and women. Strangers should not be able to easily identify your gender.

2. Choose a screen name that does not include any part of your real name. You should never reveal your actual identity to everyone on the Internet. If someone is your friend, or becomes your friend through the Internet, they will know your name.

3. Select numbers that are not part of your birth year or actual address. Stay away from your high school graduation year, and never use any part of your Social Security number or telephone number.

4. Stay away from using the name of your city or town in your screen name. Using a favorite city that is not near your actual location is okay.

5. Adopt the name of a favorite character from a book or movie. This is a fun way to start a conversation. However, like superheroes, never reveal your true identity.