For Children

Keeping Clear of the Password Pirates

Home
>
Children Guides
>
Password Pirates

What is hacking?

In the UK, there are rules that say it is wrong to use someone else's account or change their computer without permission. This includes

  • Logging into someone else’s account without asking
  • Using software that changes or breaks a device
  • Sharing tools that steal information or get past locked areas
  • Helping someone else do these things

Even if you were just being curious, it can still be against the law.

Cute cartoon purple bird with big eyes and orange beak and feet.

Why children might try it

Most children do not mean to cause harm. They might just be curious or want to try something new.

Some reasons children get into trouble online are:

  • Wanting to learn how things work
  • Trying to fix or change something
  • Wanting to show friends what they can do
  • Watching videos or reading posts online that say it is okay
  • Being told to try it by someone else in a game or chat

What could happen

If a child does something online that breaks the law, there can be serious consequences, such as:

  • The police might get involved
  • Your computer or tablet might be taken away
  • You could get into trouble at school
  • It might make it harder to get a job when you are older
  • It might stop you from travelling to some countries

Even trying to log into someone else’s account can cause big problems.

What you can do instead

If you love computers and solving problems, there are lots of good and safe things you can do instead.

You can:

  • Try fun and safe coding games made for kids
  • Join a tech club at school or in your area
  • Enter safe online puzzles or challenges
  • Learn how to help protect computers from real dangers
  • Help others learn how to be safe online

With help from your teachers or parents, you can learn great skills and stay out of trouble.

What to do if you already did something wrong

If you think you did something online that was not okay:

  • Stop what you are doing
  • Do not share anything with anyone else
  • Tell a trusted adult like a parent or teacher
  • Be honest about what you did
  • Ask for help to make it right

Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is telling the truth and asking for help early.

News & Stories

View all news