Kids no longer use digital devices purely for educational purposes or under supervision. Most of the time, they have their own smartphone and laptop, and are allowed to go online any time – some even during the night. While liberating to the kid, that opens a Pandora’s box – a world of predators, bullies, scammers, hackers, and explicit content that kids can accidentally stumble upon.
As a parent, regulating these threats and your child’s activity should be your ultimate priority. Thankfully, you can implement various programs and tools to protect and educate your kid about online safety. You can learn how to do that below.
Common Risks Children Face Online
Even small children who are given a tablet to watch cartoons online can stumble upon content they shouldn’t see or interact with. It is important to shield them from things like adult content and bad actors. But first, let’s go through the most common risks you should pay attention to.
Cyberbullying
Throughout the years, bullying has been the most prevalent issue among kids and teenagers. When you go online, it can happen practically 24/7. Cyberbullying impacts kids negatively, often causing severe emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal tendencies.
The worst part of cyberbullying is the fact that it’s impossible to completely prevent it. Since kids spend most of their free time online, there’s a high chance they’ll encounter bullies who try to bring them down. Victims of cyberbullying often struggle to report it and don’t know how to address bullies online.
Data Theft
Children rarely understand what sensitive information is and why they need to safeguard it. They will often use their real names in games and social media, talk to random people on messaging platforms, and willingly share personal data with others. Many bad actors don’t even have to try to gain sensitive information about kids; they simply ask for information like Social Security numbers and bank card details and receive it. Data theft can go on for years, unnoticed by parents.
Online Predators
You might have taught your kids not to talk to strangers on the streets, but do they adhere to the same rule online? Predators search for victims online, too. They pretend to be the same age or share the same interests and manipulate kids into sharing personal data and photos or even hanging out offline.
Inappropriate Content
Before, you had to buy cassette tapes and watch night-time TV to see adult content or anything inappropriate. Now, all kids have to do is go online and type a few words in the search bar. Of course, there are cases when some children encounter that content unintentionally.
Inappropriate pictures, videos, and stories are shared across social media pages, chats, and apps that are not monitored. Kids who interact with such content can experience mental and emotional distress.
Privacy Violations on Social Media
A lot of young children and teenagers post content online without realizing the risks. Photos of their home, location tags, and other details are often shared publicly, creating opportunities for bad actors to build a detailed profile on them. This information can then be exploited to stalk kids, steal data, and even access funds.
Online Security for Kids: Tools and Tips
We have established that the internet, without parental control, can become a scary and dangerous place for kids. Thankfully, mothers and fathers can implement a few tools and educate their children about online safety. To do so, you should:
Install a VPN
A high-quality virtual private network, or VPN for short, can benefit anyone who ever goes online. Children, in particular, do not understand why they should protect their data and use a reliable Wi-FI network. A VPN creates an additional shield between kids and hackers, however, as it completely encrypts their online connection. Cybercriminals won’t be able to track their online activities or steal any personal information.
Check online reviews and comparisons, like NordVPN vs. Norton, to see what other parents have to say about different VPN providers and make an informed choice when selecting a VPN for yourself.
Use Parental Controls
Almost every app and platform you can think of has an option for parental controls. Through these settings, you can easily set what your kids can watch and read online. You can block websites and apps, set time limits, and monitor which websites your youngsters visit.
Educate Kids on Password Safety
Sit your children down and tell them how to set long, unique passwords and why it matters. Let them know they shouldn’t ever share their login details with friends or strangers online, no matter what they are told. Or, if you want to minimize this potential risk, install a password manager to ensure that every password your kid uses adheres to strong password policies.
Again, search for terms like “NordPass review” online to see whether a specific password manager is popular among other parents dealing with similar cases.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Most social media platforms, online games, and other services also propose two-factor authentication. Enable this option where possible – this will require a password and an additional verification code whenever someone tries to log into your kid’s accounts. If the site or game doesn’t have 2FA integrated, use your password manager to create one via that tool.
Talk About Online Privacy
Regularly talk to your kids about online privacy, additionally covering topics like inappropriate content, predators, and new hacking trends. Explain that they should ask for help without any fear and shouldn’t be ashamed of their experiences. Always be open to discussions.
Invest in Your Child’s Cybersecurity
It is essential to protect your kids as soon as they join the online world. Use parental controls and 2FA where possible, install a VPN and a password manager, and explain why cybersecurity is important to your children. By doing so, you’ll help ensure your kid has the best and safest time online.
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