How to Choose a Safe Screen Name

Last Updated: June 4, 2020

Choosing a safe screen name in applications such as instant messengers can mean the difference between, in extreme cases, life or death, or, in more regular cases, the difference between getting stalked and cyber-bullied and not having these things happen to you. Follow these guidelines to choose a safe screen name.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

The Basics of Safe Screen Names

1
Do not give out your real name. It is wise to choose a screen name that doesn't include your first and last name, such as "Sally Johnson" or "Joe Harris". It is especially important that you don't reveal your last name.
- The more unique your name, the wiser it is to guard it for professional use only.
2
Avoid giving away your age. It is wise to choose a screen name that does not give away your age, such as "Roses17" or "Jelly 34". Most people would be able to tell what this means.
- This isn't just for the very young. As you grow older, you may not want people guessing just how old you've become!
- This includes graduation year dates; don't use them as they give away too much self-identifying information.
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3
Do not divulge your location. It is wise to choose a screen name that does not give away where you live, such as "Denver Chick Lucy", or "Madison Avenue". Also avoid usernames that would reveal your zip code, such as "Logan21508". Don't even give away your state, city or country.
4
Avoid offending people. Having a screen name such as "I Hate Sally" or "I Beat Up Joe" obviously will get some people angry. Names with political or religious agendas attached to them will rub a lot of people up the wrong way too––avoid using them. Remember too, that what might be funny or ironic where you live might be disparaging or even unkind somewhere else in the world; you are interacting with people from all over the world, so be worldly wise.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Ways to Choose Screen Names

1
Use the "stage-name" method. Come up with a first or a last name totally unrelated to you. Add only your first or your last name to the stage name but not both. Or, don't even do that––add together two totally unrelated names you like the sound of together. Everyone will know you by your stage-name style screen name! For example: Adelaide Anders or Martha Smith.
2
Use a favorite pet or object method. Combine the name of a favorite pet or object with a surname or other name. For example, Woofie Bugbear; Trixie Paws; Reptilian Greg; Ovalbowl Harry; PurpleCrayonMarsha.
3
Use a name generator. There are plenty of online name generators that will do the work for you. You can choose from pirates, fantasy beings, animals, favorite words, etc.

Community Q&A

Question

What kind of information is OK to give out over the internet?

Community Answer

Your username. Lots of people think your username is not safe to give out. It is, but never use your username, or parts of it, in your password, such as Username: Awesomekid4536, Password: Awesomekid.
Question

Can you provide four examples of information that should not be posted or given out?

Community Answer

Sure. Example one: Where you live -- because strangers or people with an ax to grind can find you. Example two: Your real name -- because people will look it up. Whether that's good or bad depends on what you do, who you are, etc. Example three: Password -- because people can log into your account and steal your content, identity, money and life. Example four: Your age -- because some people prey on the very young and the very old with scams, hacks or improper advances.
Question

If I ever get involved in a chat room conversation that makes me feel uncomfortable or in danger for any reason, what should I do?

Community Answer

Log off and tell and tell a site moderator and/or trusted adult about the chatroom. If it's dangerous enough, contact the police.