Sophia loved her afternoons in the Cosmic Quest game. Her favorite part was chatting with her best game buddy, Peppofi.
1
Peppofi was funny and quick, always saying things like, "Pink? I pink not!" and making Sophia giggle. Peppofi was her *online* name, not her real one, which was a good secret to keep.
2
One day, a new message popped up from Peppofi. "Hey, I'm trying to figure out the best time to play tomorrow. How old are you, and what school do you go to?"
3
Sophia paused. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. She *wanted* to answer, because Peppofi was a good friend, but a little chime went off. It was Chip, her friendly helper bot.
4
"Beep boop! Personal info alert!" Chip whirred softly. "Your real name, your age, where you learn... those are like hidden treasures, Sophia."
5
"You only show your treasure map to people you know very well in the *real* world—like your family, or your teacher," Chip explained. "Online, anyone can read the map!"
6
Sophia looked back at the screen. Peppofi was still waiting. She typed out, "I'm 8," then quickly deleted it. She typed, "I'm homeschooled," then deleted that, too.
7
"So, what *can* I tell a game friend?" Sophia asked Chip. "I want to be polite, but also safe."
8
"You can keep it fun and general!" Chip suggested. "Tell them your time zone, or maybe a fun fact about your *game* character instead!"
9
Peppofi replied with a laughing emoji and a game invitation. Sophia clicked to join. Her real-life secrets were safe, and her online adventures were just beginning!
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