Identity theft is a growing concern for teenagers

WASHINGTON — Identity theft is a growing concern for a group that might not seem likely: Teenagers.

“We’re seeing an increased awareness from teens as well as an increased concern,” says Jennifer Hanley with the Family Online Safety Institute.

The group is holding its annual conference in D.C. this week at the Ronald Reagan Building and released figures that show teens are more concerned than ever before about the privacy of their personal information online.

“We really want to encourage teens to stop and think about what they’re putting out there,” says Hanley.

According to a new FOSI study, more than three-quarters of teens say they’re “very or somewhat concerned” about online privacy.

One factor leading to the fresh concern is password sharing, according to the report.

“One-third of teens are sharing their passwords,” Hanley says. “Teen girls in particular like to give their user names and passwords to friends.”

Hanley says teenagers are learning they need to think before they post and utilize privacy settings.

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