Having a strong password is essential

A password is like a key to the doors of the online universe. It protects personal information and secures access to profiles or accounts. It is essential to talk about confidentiality with children and encourage them to configure a strong password. To help adults doing so, the Belgian Safer Internet Centre is sharing a range of advice on the topic.

Date 2021-06-11 Author Belgian Safer Internet Centre Section awareness Topic data privacy, media literacy/education Audience children and young people

Currently, passwords are essential to surf online: access accounts, chat, login on social media, online games, and more. A password is a way to identify yourself online. Some teenagers use the same password everywhere or have a tendency to tell their friends. It can lead to cyberbullying, identity theft, or hacking. Those risks can be limited if users have a strong and secret password that they change regularly.

How to choose a strong password?

A strong password is composed of at least 12 characters, including numbers, capital or small letters, and a symbol. To help children and young people remember their password, use mnemonic techniques: make a sentence. For example: “I arrive at 9:00 AM at school”. The password will be: Iarriveat9amatschool. A strong password increases security and helps preventing unwanted access to profile information.

How to encourage them to keep their password secret?

Explain that a strong password is like a toothbrush: you do not lend it, even to your best friend. It is like the key to your house: it is only for you.

Find out more about Safer Internet Day in Belgium. Alternatively, find out more about the work and initiatives of the Belgian Safer Internet Centre, or find similar information for Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.

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