Currently, passwords are essential to surfing online: accessing accounts, chatting, logging into social media, playing online games, and more. A password is a way to identify yourself online. Some teenagers use the same password everywhere or tend to tell their friends. This 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 do you 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, such as “I arrive at 9:00 AM at school.” The password will be: Iarriveat9amatschool. A strong password increases security and helps prevent 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.