Protecting Teens and Kids

• Children are better prepared to manage money and make smart financial decisions if they begin learning about finances at an early age. There are many resources available to teach kids about money. Find age-appropriate content that suits your child’s abilities and get started today!  

Child Identity Theft 

• Get educated about child identity theft and how to prevent it. Children’s personal identifying information isn’t only found online, but that is an easy target for cybercriminals. 

Protecting Privacy on Social Media 

• Social media has become a big part of many kids’ lives, connecting them with friends and family. However, it’s crucial to educate them on how to use it safely. 
  • Ensure children and teens have updated privacy settings to defend against cybercriminals and scammers who use social media profiles to commit identity theft or send spam messages. Encourage them to only accept friend and follower requests from people they know personally to avoid interactions with strangers and potential scammers.

Safe Gaming Practices 

• Video games are a favorite pastime for kids and teens, but multiplayer gameplay with online interaction comes with its own risks. 
  • Keeping consoles and computers in shared family spaces allows parents to monitor interactions and join the fun. Games like Roblox offer a fun and interactive experience for all ages. Parents should explore account restriction settings and parental controls to enable safe-chat and filter out inappropriate content. Lastly, be aware of in-game and in-app purchases and encourage any in-app purchases to be made with a gift card.

Dating App Safety and Explicit Content 

• Dating apps are a popular method for older teenagers to connect with others 
  • Remind your teens to protect their personal information, including their full name, contact information, date of birth and Social Security number. Help them establish personal boundaries and reinforce the importance of sticking to them when interacting online.
• Sextortion often starts with smartphones, computers and game consoles, where criminals can gain access to private conversations and images.
  • Teach your children and teens to think twice before sharing anything intimate. Remind them that people online can easily misrepresent themselves. Once content is shared, even with people they know, it can be public forever.

Location sharing can be a valuable and practical tool for parents and kids, but it’s important to discuss privacy concerns and set clear expectations within the family. In addition to mobile devices, many apps and gaming platforms collect and share location data. Be sure all location settings are properly managed to always ensure their safety and privacy.

Staying informed and having ongoing conversations with your children about online safety is the best way to protect them from all kinds of digital threats.