unhackchildhood.com/topics/passwords-account-security · Reviewed September 24, 2026
DO THIS FIRST
Take back some control.
- 01
Give every important account a different password. Reuse turns one stolen password into many stolen accounts.
- 02
Use a reputable password manager to create and store long, random passwords.
- 03
Turn on multifactor authentication, starting with email, financial, school, and social accounts.
- 04
Store recovery codes somewhere safe and offline. Check that the recovery email and phone number are current.
- 05
Install device and app updates promptly, preferably automatically.
FOR STUDENTS
No shame. Just the next move.
- Your school password should not match your gaming, email, or social passwords.
- A friend does not need your password to prove that you trust them.
- Lock your device and hide notification previews if messages could expose private information.
FOR PARENTS
Contain first. Debrief later.
- Set up the password manager together. Avoid secretly collecting a teen’s credentials unless safety requires it and your expectations are clear.
- Protect the parent email and app-store account controlling family devices with strong authentication.
- Review recovery methods twice a year and after any phone-number or email change.
TRUSTED NEXT STOPS
Official help and reporting.
CISA: Secure Our World ↗Official guidance on passwords, MFA, phishing, and software updates.IdentityTheft.gov ↗Recovery planning if personal information was used fraudulently.
Reviewed September 24, 2026. External guidance changes; confirm time-sensitive steps on the linked official site.
SET IT UP