Keeping Your Accounts Safe
Simple advice for children about choosing strong passwords and keeping their online accounts secure.
Your password is yours — share it with your parents, but keep it secret from everyone else.
If you use apps, games or websites with an account, you probably have a password. Your password is like the key to your front door — you would not give your house key to just anyone. This page helps you keep your online accounts safe and secure.
What Makes a Good Password?
A good password is hard for other people to guess but easy for you to remember. Try using three random words stuck together, like 'PurpleFrogRaincoat' — that is much stronger than your name, birthday or '123456.' Never use the same password for everything. And make it at least eight characters long. Ask a grown-up to help you set up good passwords.
Who Should Know Your Password?
Your parents or carers should know your passwords — they need to in case there is a problem with your account. But friends should not know your passwords, even your best friend. If a friend knows your password, they could log in as you by accident (or on purpose) and do things you would not want. If you think someone else has your password, change it straight away.
Spotting Tricks and Scams
Sometimes people try to trick you into telling them your password. They might send a message that looks like it comes from a game you play, saying 'Log in here to get free gems.' This is usually a scam. Real games and apps will never ask for your password in a message or email. If you are not sure, ask a grown-up before you click anything.
If you ever need someone to talk to, you can call Childline for free on 0800 1111.
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Last reviewed: 2026-03-29