Staying Smart & Staying Safe
OPSEC is a big word that means something simple:
Don’t share information that could help someone hurt you or your family.
Most people are nice, but some people use information the wrong way. OPSEC helps keep your family safe by not giving away details that don’t need to be shared.
Things That Are OK to Share
It’s okay to talk about:
- School subjects and hobbies
- Favorite games, movies, or books
- Sports, music, and activities
- Things that don’t say where you are, where you live, or what your family has
Things That Are NOT OK to Share
These things should stay family-only:
- Your home address or school name
- When your family is leaving town or not home
- Photos inside your house that show rooms or valuables
- How much food, gear, or supplies your family has
- Where parents work or when they’ll be gone
- Family plans or emergency plans
If you’re not sure, ask first.
Online Rules (Very Important)
When you’re online, remember:
- Don’t post where you are while you’re there
- Don’t share your location with strangers
- Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t really know
- Don’t answer personal questions in games, chats, or comments
- Don’t click strange links or downloads
- Don’t send photos to people you haven’t met in real life
People online aren’t always who they say they are.
Photos & Videos
Before posting a photo or video, ask:
- Does this show our house, car, or street?
- Does this show a school name, jersey, or license plate?
- Does this tell people where I am right now?
If yes — don’t post it.
Talking to Other People
Sometimes adults or other kids ask questions like:
- “Where do you live?”
- “Are your parents home?”
- “Are you going on vacation?”
- “What kind of stuff do you have at home?”
You don’t have to answer those questions.
A safe answer is:
“I’m not sure”
or
“I don’t share that”
That’s not rude. That’s smart.
One Easy Rule to Remember
If you wouldn’t tell a stranger, don’t post it or say it online.
If something feels weird, confusing, or uncomfortable:
- Stop
- Don’t reply
- Tell a parent or trusted adult
You will never get in trouble for asking for help.
Why OPSEC Matters
OPSEC helps:
- Keep your family safe
- Keep bad people from learning things they shouldn’t
- Keep control of your own information
Being smart about what you share is a superpower.
Download sheet
See also
OPSEC for Teens
OPSEC for Kids
Operations Security (OPSEC): Don’t Become the Target (in-depth article)