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The children of today will grow up in a world that, in many respects, is very different from the one that their parents experienced.

The more important differences relate to the internet, and the way that children experience and interact with it.

If you want your children to prosper in the digital age, and have a healthy relationship with the technologies that surround them, then it’s worth talking through the risks in an age-appropriate way.

But exactly what risks are we talking about? Let’s take a look at six of the big ones.

Phishing and Deepfake Scams

Phishing attacks are a big problem in the UK, with thousands of businesses and millions of individuals being targeted in this way each year. The bad news is that these attacks are likely to become more sophisticated, thanks to the emerging power of AI. Children should be inculcated with a healthy scepticism of every communication they receive in the online world. Even video content can no longer be trusted!

Malware Downloads and “Malware-as-a-Service”

In recent years, malware downloads have exploded. Attachments and seemingly benign browser extensions can download malicious programs, which can log keystrokes, encrypt storage drives, and steal sensitive data.

Privacy Risks from Social Media Oversharing

Everything that your child shares on social media will exist in the public domain. If they give away too much, then they risk being targeted by malicious actors in the real world. Sometimes, this sharing can be done unwittingly. You might think of a run-sharing app, like Strava, which might reveal (albeit vaguely) where a person lives.

Unsafe Use of Public Wi-Fi and Insecure Networks

Public WiFi offers a convenient way to connect to the internet, without relying on patchy cellular reception. However, it’s not always secure. The right Virtual Private Network software (VPN) can help to deal with this. Kids should be told how these programs work, and how they can be installed.

Online Predators and Identity Impersonation

Most parents will be concerned about the possibility that their children might be targeted by online predators. These people might pose as children, or influencers, and con another user into revealing sensitive information. In some cases, manipulation and blackmail might be a possibility. Make sure that your children feel comfortable approaching you about something they’ve seen online.

In-App Purchases and Hidden Costs

Certain applications will offer users the ability to pay for services and products – including digital ones. In many cases, it’s possible to spend large amounts of money in a matter of seconds. As such, it’s a good idea to make use of whatever parental controls are available to you!

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