familydevice
Guide · Media education

My child's password: should parents know it?

Should parents know their child's password? What matters is whether it concerns the device passcode, account access or private messages, and what is appropriate for the child's age.

· 4 min read

By Redaktion familydevice

On this page
  1. Three types of access are not the same
  2. What age changes
  3. Safety without constant monitoring
  4. When you need access

The question “Should I know my child’s password?” is not purely a technical question. It touches on trust, parental responsibility and your child’s privacy. It therefore makes sense to distinguish between different types of access and set a rule that suits your child’s age.

Three types of access are not the same

What age changes

Safety without constant monitoring

When you need access

Sources

  1. [1]AWMF und Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin (2024): S2k-Leitlinie zur Prävention dysregulierten Bildschirmmediengebrauchs in Kindheit und Jugend
  2. [2]Bundespsychotherapeutenkammer (2020): Elternratgeber Internet
  3. [3]klicksafe (2026): Medienerziehung: Informationen für Eltern
  4. [4]klicksafe und Internet-ABC (2026): Mediennutzungsvertrag: Regeln gemeinsam festlegen

Further reading