Keeping Your Secrets Secret
You probably already know that some things are private. Private means it is yours to keep — you do not share it with everyone. For example, you would not shout your home address at a stranger in the park. You would not tell someone you just met what your diary says. Some things are just for you, your family, and the people you really trust. The same rule works when you use AI!
What Is Private Information?
Private information is any fact about you that could help a stranger find you or know too much about you. Here are some examples of private information: Your full name. Your home address. The name and address of your school. Your phone number. Your passwords. Your parent's or guardian's name and contact information. Those things should stay private — not shared on the internet, not typed into an AI, and not given to anyone you have not met in real life and who your grown-ups have approved.
If a piece of information could help a stranger find you or your family, it is private. Keep it private everywhere — including in conversations with AI.
Here is why this matters even with AI. When you type something into an AI, that text is sent to a computer somewhere. The people who run that computer follow rules to protect your information, but the safest habit of all is to simply never share private information in the first place. It is like putting a fence around your yard. The fence does not mean anything bad will happen without it. But it is a smart, easy habit that keeps you protected. So the golden rule is: if it is private in real life, keep it private with AI too.
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What Is Okay to Share?
The good news: there is SO much you can talk about with AI without sharing anything private! You can ask AI questions about animals, history, math, or science. You can ask it to help you write a story or a poem. You can ask it to explain a word you do not understand. You can share your ideas and get feedback. None of that requires your name, your address, or your school. You can be called 'a student' or even make up a fun nickname like 'Star Explorer.' AI can help you just fine without knowing your private details! So go ahead — be curious, ask big questions, explore cool topics. Just leave the private stuff out.
Sort each piece of information: is it private or safe to share?
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Definitions
Drag terms onto their definitions, or click a term then click a definition to match.
You can use a nickname when chatting with AI! Call yourself 'Galaxy Kid' or 'Dino Expert.' You will still get great answers and your real name stays private.
Which of these is an example of private information?
What is the golden rule for private information when using AI?
Private or Safe to Share?
- On a piece of paper, draw two columns. Label one column 'Private' and the other 'Safe to Share.'
- Now think of ten pieces of information about yourself — or use these ideas: your favorite ice cream flavor, your home address, your school name, the color of your bedroom, your phone number, your favorite movie, your birthday, your pet's name, your password, and how many siblings you have.
- Write or draw each one in the correct column.
- When you are done, talk with a trusted grown-up about your answers. Did they agree with your choices? Were any tricky ones?