Passwords keep our accounts private, and everything we share online leaves a trail. Year 2 coders learn what makes a strong password, what personal information is and how to spot tricks like fake prize messages.
What your child will learn
- Know what makes a password strong
- Keep passwords secret, sharing only with trusted grown-ups
- Recognise personal information
- Spot pop-ups and messages that try to trick people
Strong and secret
A strong password is long, hard to guess and not used anywhere else — three random words with numbers and symbols works well. It’s kept secret from friends, but a trusted grown-up at home can know it.
Messages saying “You’ve won a prize! Enter your password” are tricks. Don’t click — tell a grown-up.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. Which of these should you NOT share online?
- Your favourite book
- Your favourite colour
- The name of your school
- Your favourite animal
Show answer
Answer: The name of your school. Your school’s name could help a stranger find you.
2. A good password is…
- the same as everyone else’s
- your name
- long and hard to guess
- short and easy to guess
Show answer
Answer: long and hard to guess. Long, unusual passwords are hardest to crack.
3. What does “log out” mean?
- Sign out so no one else can use your account
- Delete the computer
- Turn the brightness up
- Make a new friend
Show answer
Answer: Sign out so no one else can use your account. Logging out keeps your account safe on shared devices.
Tips for grown-ups
- Invent silly three-word passwords together (but don’t use the example ones!).
- Talk about what is OK to share online and what isn’t.