How to Keep Your Child’s Personal Information Safe Online

For children, the internet offers near-limitless opportunities for learning, entertainment, and connection. But this digital playground also has risks, particularly concerning their personal information (PI).

Navigating the internet safely requires a proactive approach. You can equip your child with the right knowledge and tools to explore the internet securely.

Below, we’ll explain how to keep your child’s personal information safe online.

Talk to Your Child About PI

Explain to your child what personal information is, why it’s important to keep it safe, and the potential consequences of sharing it. Use examples like their full name, home address, and phone number to help them understand.

Emphasise that they should never share this information online. Remind them that not everyone online is who they claim to be, so caution is key. Try to make this a conversation, not a lecture, and answer any questions they have with honesty.

Use Secure Connections

Cafes, libraries, and airports often offer free Wi-Fi networks for your convenience. But these are often unsecured. Hackers can lurk on these networks and snatch your child’s unprotected information. This is where downloading a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your child’s device could help keep them safe.

VPNs create a secure tunnel between your child’s device and the internet. Your child’s internet traffic gets encoded in a layer of complex encryption. This makes it unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it on the network, even on unsecured Wi-Fi. They also offer additional benefits like protection from malicious file downloads and ad blocking.

While VPNs offer a strong layer of security, they’re not a magic solution. It’s still important to be vigilant about what information your child shares online, even when using a VPN.

Create Anonymous Usernames

Many online platforms require your child to create an account. Encourage your child to use usernames that don’t reveal their personal information, such as their real name or date of birth. A creative username that reflects their interests is a safe alternative. This approach will add an extra layer of anonymity, making it harder for strangers to identify your child based on their usernames.

Choose Strong Passwords

Passwords keep the personal information associated with your child’s online accounts safe. To create a strong password, they should use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Discourage your child from using personal information in their passwords. If malicious actors have already stolen some of your child’s PI, this could make their passwords easier to guess.

Foster the Skills to Stay Safe

By teaching your child about online safety now, you can equip them with the knowledge they need to stay safe on the internet as they grow up. It should be a place for your child to access educational resources, connect with friends, and express themselves. Lay the foundations for this future by following the advice above.

But bear in mind that keeping your child safe online is an ongoing project. Keep the lines of communication open and adapt your approach as your child grows and encounters new online experiences. By working together, you can create a safe and positive online environment for them to explore and learn.