During a recent discussion with a group of middle school girls about their online activities, it became apparent that many find joy in playing games with virtual friends. When we probed further and asked if they personally knew these online friends outside of the gaming realm, the unanimous response was a resounding “no.” We then delved deeper, questioning how they could be certain that the individuals they engage with are genuinely who they claim to be. The stark reality was evident — they don’t know. This exchange served as the catalyst for the insights shared in this blog post, aiming to empower middle schoolers with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape safely.