Many kids are sharing information about themselves online without even knowing. When they create profiles, post content, and interact with others, they may not realize how their personal data can be collected.
According to a 2021 survey, 38% of tweens (youth ages 8-12) have used social media, and nearly 18% say they use social media “every day.” Meanwhile, a 2022 survey found that 95% of teens ages 13-17 use social media, with 35% saying they use it “almost constantly.”
With so much of their lives happening in the digital world, recognizing online risks has become an essential skill for kids and teens to have.
Rather than trying to monitor their kids at all times, parents can help keep their kids safe on the internet by helping them build the knowledge to make safe decisions themselves. Without a strong understanding of internet safety, kids may be more vulnerable to privacy risks, scams, and other online threats.
To help parents keep their kids safe online, we put together some common online risks to be aware of:
Oversharing personal information
Kids often share more than they intend to online. Photos, usernames, profiles, and posts can expose personal details like their school, sports team, birthdate, or daily schedule, which compromises their safety. Even seemingly harmless details, like a pet’s name, may be used for security questions and shouldn’t be shared online.
Encourage kids to keep their account settings on private whenever possible, and teach them to avoid sharing their full name, address, phone number, and live location. Even if they’re not posting publicly – for example, if they’re filling out a form or inputting information into an online quiz or game – they may not know who is receiving the data.
Kids should also be cautious when apps request access to photos, contacts, cameras, or location. Apps often request permissions by default, but that doesn’t mean kids need to accept every request. Encourage them to understand what they’re sharing and why the app is requesting it.
Online scams and phishing
Scammers often send messages promising money, prizes, or gift cards. If your kids are interested in online gaming, scammers may offer in-game currency, items, or exclusive content. The scams are designed to get kids to click malicious links or share personal information such as passwords. Teach kids to be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
Kids should also be aware of the dangers of phishing, which is when scammers trick people into sharing private data by pretending to be from a safe source, such as a bank, often using logos or other branding to appear legitimate.
Remind kids not to enter their passwords after clicking a link in a text, email, or other message. If a message claims to be from a trusted organization but seems unusual or urgent, it’s safer to visit the organization’s official website directly to verify the information rather than clicking the link provided.
Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to pressure people into acting without thinking. Kids should know that it’s okay to slow down, ask questions, and verify a message before responding or taking action.
Fake profiles and catfishing
Not all users are who they appear to be on the internet. Some people fabricate online identities using fake names and stolen photos in order to gain a person’s trust. This practice, often called catfishing, can make it challenging to know whether an online connection is genuine.
Kids should understand that someone who seems friendly isn’t necessarily who they claim to be. It’s important for them to be mindful when chatting with people they’ve only met on the internet, especially if the conversation becomes personal or moves to private messaging. Friendships on the internet require the same caution as interactions with strangers in real life.
If someone online requests private photos or information, or tries to pressure kids into doing something that makes them uncomfortable, they should stop communicating with that person right away and tell a trusted adult.
Remind kids that they are not obligated to respond or keep a conversation secret when something feels wrong. A trustworthy person will respect their boundaries and not pressure them to share information or do something they’re not comfortable with.
For more on helping kids safely navigate the internet, check out our other blog posts:
The internet offers great opportunities for kids to learn, create, and connect, but it also requires them to make smart decisions about their safety and privacy. Keeping kids safe online starts with helping them understand the risks and recognize warning signs. With the right knowledge and awareness, kids can enjoy the benefits of the internet while staying safe along the way!
