Protect children from online threats

Our children live in a digital world now more than ever. From homework to social media, it is a way of life. Learn what you can do to keep kids protected when they’re connected.

Protect your children online

A green monster representing an online threat with a mysterious facial expression.

A green monster representing an online threat with a mysterious facial expression.

Be a digital guardian

71% of children have experienced at least one cyber threat.
- UNICEF and Kaspersky, 2023

Keeping kids safe online is just as important today as keeping them safe in the physical world. Click through the tabs to see what you can do to protect children.

Create good passwords

Strong passwords are the first line of defense against cybercrime and they’re important for kids too. Here are some kid-friendly password tips and tricks.

Diverse group of primary school children using laptops in pairs to study, sitting at a large desk in a classroom while their teacher assists them.

Help kids make strong passwords they can remember. You can use a series of fun kid-friendly random words! Add numbers and special characters as they get older.
Let your child know they should share their passwords with you and no one else.
Consider using a password manager for your family and teach your child how to use it.
Remember to set passwords for school devices too.
Show your kids how to use multifactor authentication.

Treat cell phones like computers

Staying cybersafe is crucial while on the go. Mobile devices such as cell phones are often the preferred way for kids to stay connected.

Child using mobile phone while having breakfast at the table.

Remind kids to keep mobile devices safe and stored away. Stolen devices are expensive to replace, but they also have sensitive information on them.
Make sure kids have a strong PIN or passcode set on their phones.
Discourage children from connecting to unknown or public Wi-Fi networks. If they do, consider using a family virtual private network (VPN). A VPN keeps you safe online by encrypting your connection and hiding your IP address, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Use your own trusted chargers and USBs. Never plug unknown USBs into your devices to avoid the risk of malware.

Pay attention to what children share online

By the time kids are teenagers, they’re spending almost five hours a day on social media. Help them share safely. Help them protect their online data and talk to them about securing their privacy.

Grandparent with their two grandchildren having fun with a digital tablet at home in the living room.

Make sure kids know what they put online stays online forever. Be smart about what to post and don’t share anything you wouldn’t share with everyone.
Discourage sharing too much about where they are, routines, or personal information like the school they attend. Let your kid know people are not always who they claim to be online.
Inform kids not to download or click on unexpected or unusual files or attachments and to avoid putting personal or sensitive information including photos and selfies into unknown forms or quizzes online.
Don’t open unnecessary accounts online.

Bullying is bullying, whether in person or online. Help kids take action.

According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, approximately 59% of teens (ages 13-17) report having experienced some form of cyberbullying.

Young kid with glasses learning at home on a laptop for school.

Talk with your child about cyberbullying, what it is, and ask whether they have been the target of bullying online.
Remind your child not to share passwords with friends.
Review privacy settings for the websites and apps your child uses and encourage using “private” or “unlisted” accounts.
Stay aware of your child’s email, social media, and games. Know the signs of cyberbullying and be involved in their online life.