IP address
Internet Protocol address. A unique number assigned to every device connected to the internet. It can reveal your approximate location and be used to identify you online.
IP address is a unique number assigned to every device on the internet that reveals only your rough geographic area and internet provider, not your home address or identity, despite how it is sometimes used to frighten people.
In plain English
Internet Protocol address. A unique number assigned to every device connected to the internet. It can reveal your approximate location and be used to identify you online.
Why it matters
Children playing online games are sometimes threatened with having their IP address found or leaked. In practice, an IP gives only rough location data, but the threat can be frightening. Knowing what an IP can and cannot do helps reduce panic.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17