Protected identity for children and young people
If life at home is hard, you may feel anxious and scared. You have the right to grow up free from threats and violence. Adults and society are responsible for ensuring your safety and wellbeing – for example, by protecting your identity.
If you have protected identity, no one else can find out your address. In some cases, no one can find out your name either. Your personal data will not be disclosed to anyone – not even your parents, if you have protection against them.
How to get protected identity
Talk to an adult you trust (this could be your parent or someone else), social services or the police. They will help you to contact the Swedish Tax Agency.
Having protected identity can be complicated
It can be hard to know:
- when it’s OK to use your real name, address or other personal data
- how to use social media
- what you’re allowed to tell your friends
- what to say when friends want to visit you at home
- whether you’re allowed to be in school photos
- whether you can take part in leisure activities
Living with protected identity can be hard and lonely. But remember: what’s important is your safety. Talk to an adult if you have any questions about what you can or cannot tell people.
You can get help here
Bris – Children’s Rights in Society (in Swedish)
Here’s who to contact if you need help (Save the Children, in Swedish)
I want to know (Swedish Crime Victim Authority)
About the Ombudsman for Children in Sweden (Barnombudsmannen)