Online research should feel like a superpower. But for most students, it’s more like wading through digital quicksand—endless tabs, questionable sources, and distractions around every corner. The internet is an incredible resource, but only if you know how to wield it.

Without structure, you waste time. Without safety, you risk exposure to misinformation or worse.  Here’s how to get it right.

How to Start Online Research the Right Way

Most students treat Google like a magic eight ball: type a question, click the first link, and hope for the best. That’s a problem. Research isn’t about finding a source—it’s about understanding a topic through multiple lenses. It’s about learning how to filter, assess, and synthesize.

Before you even begin searching, define your objective. What are you really trying to figure out? Are you gathering general background information, looking for empirical data, or building an argument? Precision here pays off later. When your goal is clear, your path through the noise becomes obvious.

Use Smarter Search Techniques

A lazy search query guarantees garbage results. To control the algorithm, you have to get tactical and learn Google Search operators, little tricks that filter and refine your queries. Use quotation marks to search exact phrases (“renewable energy adoption in Africa”), include site-specific queries like “site:.edu” for academic sources, and don’t be afraid to use Boolean logic. AND narrows, OR expands, and NOT (or minus signs) excludes what you don’t want.

Let’s say you’re writing about the effects of remote learning. Searching “impact of remote learning site:.gov” might lead you to policy reports. Searching the same with “site:.edu” can surface academic studies. Adding “PDF” helps you find whitepapers and full-text documents, not just article summaries.

Google Scholar is a better starting point than general search engines when academic rigor matters. But it’s not the only game in town. Dig through ProQuest, ERIC, JSTOR, PubMed, and the databases offered through your school. And don’t overlook library portals—many offer access to journals, ebooks, and citation tools.

Evaluate Sources Like a Cynic

The internet is full of opinions masquerading as expertise. Learning to differentiate between credible information and digital trash is non-negotiable before you actually cite the sources in your work..

Ask the hard questions: Who wrote this? Are they an authority on the subject, or are they just echoing someone else’s claims? Does the site have an editorial process or peer review system? Is it affiliated with an institution, or is it monetized by ads and affiliate links?

Pay attention to the tone and language. Serious sources are typically measured, transparent, and cite evidence. If something feels overly emotional, politically slanted, or sensational, it’s probably more opinion than fact. Fact-check claims, follow citations, and when in doubt, dig deeper into the author’s background. Don’t hesitate to use AI for accumulating different sources for comparison.

You should be especially careful when downloading something, whether it’s a study or a book. While sites that offer free material sound enticing, they often have issues with cloud security and hackers often infiltrate them, only to silently use them as honeypots for unsuspecting students.

Cyber threats don’t just stop at “credible”—think in terms of relevance and depth. A government site might be factual but outdated. A personal blog might offer fresh insights but lack empirical backing. Context matters.

Cross-Reference Relentlessly

One perspective is just a snapshot. Three or more give you a panorama. Cross-referencing isn’t just about accuracy—it’s about depth. It’s the difference between knowing what happened and understanding why it matters.

Say you’re writing about AI in education. A tech blog might praise innovation. An academic article might warn about bias. A teacher’s forum might highlight classroom realities. None are wrong, but each adds a layer.

When different sources align independently, your confidence in the information should increase. When they conflict, that’s even better—it shows you where the debate is, which is exactly where you want to focus if you’re doing meaningful research. Always verify facts, especially when you’re working with recent data or controversial topics.

Don’t Just Collect—Synthesize

Research is not a scavenger hunt. Too many students treat it like a point-and-click game: grab a source, yank a quote, move on. But understanding emerges when you engage with the material.

As you go through sources, take active notes. Don’t just copy—translate arguments into your own words. Ask questions: What’s the author’s purpose? How does this compare to what you already found? Where does it fit into your larger understanding? It’s not only great for learning, but lets you avoid plagiarism checkers, no matter their stringency.

Create summaries, mind maps, or even flashcards. Highlight contradictions. Draw conclusions. Research is about forming a coherent, defensible viewpoint, not assembling a list of URLs. You can then create a mock text and then expand it into an essay to create a more coherent, more distilled version of what you need to know.

Tools can help, but thinking is the core mechanic. Apps like Notion or Obsidian let you link concepts and tag ideas for retrieval. Zotero and Mendeley manage citations. AI tools can summarize or extract key points, but your critical thinking still matters most.

Understand Digital Literacy Beyond Surface-Level

Digital literacy isn’t optional. It’s the skill set that separates a passive scroller from a strategic researcher. The internet isn’t neutral—it’s curated, filtered, monetized, and designed to keep you inside feedback loops. Recognizing this is the first step toward navigating it.

Algorithms aren’t just suggesting content; they’re shaping your worldview. If you click on one biased article, the next five may reinforce that same angle. This builds cognitive bias over time, making it harder to accept opposing information. Social media platforms like TikTok use this same principle, only in a more aggressive manner.

Train yourself to explore outside your bubble. Read different formats—reports, interviews, studies, op-eds. Compare international vs local media coverage of the same event. Follow the money—who benefits if you believe this piece?

Also, learn how content is structured to manipulate you. Misleading headlines, out-of-context quotes, emotionally charged visuals—these are designed to trigger fast, uncritical reactions. Resist that. Pause. Ask: what’s the full story?

Use Tech to Your Advantage

You’re surrounded by distractions, but you also have access to powerful tools that can make your research cleaner, faster, and deeper.

Citation managers like Zotero and EndNote help you organize sources without having to dig for links later. Notion, Obsidian, or Roam Research let you build personal knowledge bases where you can connect research like a digital second brain. Browser extensions like Mercury Reader strip articles down to the core content. Readwise can help you remember what you read.

Don’t stop at tools for organization—use tech to sharpen your thinking. Summarization tools like Scholarcy or TLDR can help with comprehension, especially when skimming dense academic texts. Just don’t rely on them blindly—always verify the interpretation. Chrome extensions like Glasp let you highlight and annotate websites like a Kindle.

Even your browser choice matters. A clean setup, with minimal tabs and strong bookmark hygiene, reduces cognitive overload. Group your research tabs. Use extensions to freeze tab sessions. Work smart, not scattered.

Conclusion

There’s no hack that replaces experience. Every hour spent deep in the trenches of research—following threads, comparing sources, restructuring your thinking—is an hour invested in your intellectual toolbox.

Over time, you’ll develop instincts. You’ll spot bias faster. You’ll know where to look for the best information. You’ll waste less time. You’ll learn how to argue better, write clearer, and solve problems faster.

Treat your research time like training. Push yourself to read harder texts, chase less obvious leads, and go one step deeper than your classmates. That’s how you stop surviving research assignments and start owning them. Because in a world drowning in information, the ability to cut through noise and get to the truth is more valuable than ever.

About the Author:
Ryan Harris is a copywriter focused on eLearning and the digital transitions going on in the education realm. Before turning to writing full time, Ryan worked for five years as a teacher in Tulsa and then spent six years overseeing product development at many successful Edtech companies, including 2U, EPAM, and NovoEd.

Our children navigate a world far different from the one we knew growing up. While technology offers incredible opportunities, it also presents new challenges, one of the most concerning being cyberbullying.  This form of bullying extends beyond the schoolyard, invading the very homes and minds of our children through their devices.

We aim to shed light on the insidious nature of cyberbullying, its warning signs, and, most importantly, practical steps you can take as a parent to protect and support your child.  Let’s explore how we can empower our kids to navigate the digital landscape safely and build resilience against online threats.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology (smartphones, computers, or tablets) to embarrass, harass, or even threaten your child. Social media, online gaming platforms, school forums, and messaging apps are common sources where hateful comments and threats can spread like wildfire. In cyberbullying, there’s the anonymity factor, which means bullies hide behind fake profiles, making it hard to track them down.

Cyberbullying is worse than traditional bullying. Traditional bullying ends in school, giving your kids relief once they are home. Cyberbullying is terrible. It follows you everywhere. Unlike the days of schoolyard bullying, cyberbullying sticks around all day long, literally 24/7. Worse still, because these platforms are digital, harmful messages can spread quickly. It can be shared, reshared, saved, and sometimes live on indefinitely.

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Cyberbullied

In today’s digital age, cyberbullying has become a widespread threat to children and teens. As parents, we want our kids to enjoy the advantages of technology -connecting with friends, learning new things, and having fun. But sometimes, that same screen can become a source of pain. Cyberbullying is persistent and can be damaging. Knowing the signs early is important to protecting your child’s physical and mental well-being. Here are some warning signs of cyberbullying and the steps to take as parents to help your child through it.

Emotional & Behavioral Changes

If your child has gone from giggles and laughter to withdrawn, moody, and anxious, it might not be “just a phase”. It could be a digital distress signal. If you notice your kids bursting into tears after checking their phone, refusing to tell you anything about their day in school, or make negative statements like “Nobody likes me anymore” or “i hate my life”, chances are your kid is a victim of cyberbullying, and their digital life is messing with their real life.

Avoidance of Technology

If your child is being cyberbullied, they may avoid the very devices that are supposed to connect them. If your child once loved gaming or binging on social media but suddenly avoids their gaming devices or favorite social media platforms, there is a good chance your child is being cyberbullied.

If you notice that your child turns off their notifications, logs off social media after you walk into their room, hesitates to open their favorite app, or leaves their phone in another room, they may be trying to hide the fact that someone is targeting them online.

Academic & Social Impact

Ironically, when the online world turns toxic, it can spill into real life and your child’s school life. Cyberbullying can make your child dread going to school. They become afraid of the gossip and jokes targeting them. Similarly, doing homework becomes the last thing on their mind, especially if they are constantly replaying the cruel message in their head.

If you notice your child suddenly isolating themselves, reluctance to go to school accompanied by complaints of illnesses that clear up by noon, or slipping grades even in their best subjects, chances are they have become the target of cyberbullies.

Physical Symptoms

When your child is targeted online, their brains flood with cortisol, the stress hormone”. Over time, this can wear down their immune system, disrupt their digestion, and even rewire how they process pain.

Stress from cyberbullying can manifest in your child’s body, and sometimes kids don’t dare to tell you they are being bullied online. If you notice your child has trouble sleeping, lies awake for hours, is exhausted during the day from lack of night sleep, has frequent headaches, low energy, and unexplained stomach aches, these may all be tell-tale signs that your child is under significant stress from someone picking on them online.

Unexplained Financial Requests

Cyberbullies extort kids for profit. Some cyberbullies often demand payment in gift cards, cryptocurrencies, in-game credits, or even cash as blackmail to avoid sharing embarrassing or intimate content online of their victims. Because gift cards and the like are untraceable, they are a tool for online extortionists.

If your kid is suddenly making unexplained or urgent financial demands, cash disappearing from your wallet or savings jar, unexplained charges on your account, chances are they need the money to pay off or appease someone who’s trying to manipulate or bully them online.

Secrecy About Online Activity

Notice your kid acting super secretive when online or becoming overly protective of their devices? It’s time to pay closer attention. When kids are vulnerable, they might try to hide their online activities and may go as far as deleting their accounts without explanation.

While teens crave privacy, extreme secrecy about their online activity, such as deleted messages, hidden accounts, or sudden defensiveness, can be a sign that some are cyberbullying them. Sudden password change, creating ghost accounts, staying online late, deleted history, closing tabs when you approach, or device possessiveness are red flags that your kid is trying to hide their online activities because someone is targeting them online.

What to Do If Your Child Is Being Cyberbullied

You may feel overwhelmed or helpless if you discover that your precious one is caught up in the storm called cyberbullying. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to help your kids navigate this challenging phase of their lives.

Step 1: Stay Calm & Open the Conversation

First of all, take a deep breath. It is only natural to feel upset or even angry when you learn your child is being targeted. However, it’s important to stay calm. Children can pick up on your stress. Keeping your cool creates a safe space for a heart-to-heart conversation with your child.

Find a quiet moment when you are both relaxed. Begin the conversation by reassuring your child that the bullying isn’t their fault. Instead of yes or no questions, try asking open-ended questions to get a clearer picture. Try questions like, “Can you tell me something that has been bothering you online?” Or “how did those messages make you feel?”. These types of questions show that you are genuinely interested and willing to listen and help your child understand that it’s okay to talk about their feelings. Let your child know it’s okay to feel upset, confused, or even angry. Reassure them that their feelings are valid. If they are not open to talking immediately, don’t pressurize them. Instead, let them know you’re ready to listen whenever they are ready to talk.

Step 2: Document and Report the Bullying

Documenting bullying can be to your advantage, especially in a digital world. Keep a record of what’s happening so you can fully understand the situation and take the necessary steps to address it.

Take screenshots when your child receives harmful messages, images, or posts. They will serve as evidence when you report the bullying. Most social media sites, gaming platforms, or messaging apps have reporting tools on the platform. Show your child these features and use them to report the behavior to the platform.

Should the bullying escalate to threats, harassment, or leaked personal information, report the behavior to the school authority or law enforcement immediately. If the person bullying your child online goes to the same school as your kid, let a teacher, counselor, or principal know about it. Most schools take cyberbullying seriously and have policies and protocols in place to address the issue.

Contact your local law enforcement if the cyberbullying degenerates into threats of violence, stalking behaviour, or the sharing of personal images. You can file a police report. If you are unsure where to start, many schools have a School Resource Officer (SRO) who can point you in the right direction.

While reporting may feel intimidating, remember that you are taking the necessary steps to keep your child safe.

Step 3: Block & Limit Contact with the Bully

Help your child regain control. Most apps have a “block” option. You can use the privacy settings on the app to block or mute the bully. Better still, go through these settings on the app with your child and teach them how to use the block setting. You can use RAINN’s Social Media Safety page to guide you on blocking and reporting unwanted contact or content.

Sometimes, it may be tempting to answer the bully. However, encourage your child not to answer the bully. Explain that most bullies crave attention, and engaging the bully can only make things worse. By limiting contact with the bully, you can keep a bad situation from getting out of control.

Step 4: Strengthen Online Safety Measures

Staying one step ahead is important in keeping your child safe in today’s constantly changing digital world. Start by doing a deep dive into every app and social account your kid uses. Most platforms let you hide personal details like your location and switch to a private profile so only approved friends can see posts.

Encourage your child to only accept connections from people they know. Strangers could be bullies. Periodically review their friend lists together and remove anyone unfamiliar. Show them how to mute or restrict accounts that make them feel uncomfortable.

Talk to your child about their digital footprint—everything they post, like, or comment on leaves a trail online, which can affect how others see and interact with them.

Use parental controls wisely. Filter out inappropriate content, set screen-time limits or “bedtime” for devices, and monitor your child’s usage patterns without invading their privacy by reading their messages. Educate your child on smart online behaviour. Teach them to think before posting or replying, and how and when to use the report and blocking options if someone crosses the line.

Step 5: Seek Emotional Support

Cyberbullying can negatively affect your child’s self-esteem and mental health. Encourage your child to talk to a school counselor, therapist, or trusted adult. Having someone to talk to can make a difference. By seeking professional help, your child can get the guidance that even parents with the best intentions may not be able to provide.

Boost your child’s confidence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behaviour Survey notes that physical activity is a protective factor that can positively affect self-esteem, relationships, and academic achievement. Therefore, encourage your child to take on activities and hobbies that make them feel good about themselves. From sports and arts to just hanging out with a trusted friend, these positive experiences can rebuild your child’s self-esteem.

Let your child know you’re always there if they need to talk. Encourage regular check-ins. You can also encourage your child to join a support group where they can meet other kids who understand what they’re going through.

Preventing Future Cyberbullying

Whether chatting with friends, playing games, sharing pictures, or learning new things, your kids are online more than ever. As parents, you can prevent future cyberbullying by empowering your kids with the tools to handle themselves in the digital world.

• Teach Digital Resilience: Teaching your kids digital resilience is like equipping them with digital “armor” against hurtful comments and negative interactions. Discuss and teach them how to recognize and ignore or block mean posts and hurtful comments. Encourage your child to take screen breaks when things get overwhelming. Build their inner confidence that cyberbullies cannot shake and remind your child about their talents and good qualities.

• Encourage Open Communication: There’s nothing an open, honest conversation cannot fix. Assure your kids that no matter what they see or experience online, you’re always ready to listen without judgment or blame. Create a safe space at home where your child can feel comfortable talking to you about their digital adventures.

• Set Screen Time and Social Media Guidelines: Create family rules about how and when devices should be used. Set limits for screen time. Establishing clear guidelines about device usage can help keep your kids safe online and develop a healthy relationship with technology.

• Model Good Digital Behaviour: Kids are great copy-cats. They learn by watching us. If you want your child to be kind and respectful online, lead by example. Show your kids how to engage respectfully online, even when faced with negativity.

Final Thoughts

Cyberbullying is a very real issue, but it is totally manageable with the right approach and supportive resources. As parents, it is important to remember that while the digital world comes with its share of risks, it also offers incredible opportunities for connection, creativity, and learning for your kids. Therefore, you need to help them strike a healthy balance.

Good communication goes a long way. Let your child know that they can talk to you about anything they see online without judgment. Don’t focus on over-monitoring your kids online. Instead, focus on building trust.

Set up clear, responsible guidelines for screen time and social media use. You may want to create these rules together with your child, so they feel involved in the process, rather than making them feel like you are imposing strict rules. One of the most important things to remember is that you are your kids’ role model. When your child sees you managing your digital life respectfully, they are likely to follow your good habits.

Remember, dealing with cyberbullying is serious, but with the right approach and resources, you can navigate this murky situation, bringing your child to a balanced and safe digital life.

For additional support, consider using resources like StopBullying.gov, a U.S. government resource offering detailed guidance on addressing and preventing cyberbullying. Parents in need of guidance and support can call the National Parent Helpline at 1-855-427-2376. They offer advice on a range of parenting challenges, including how to handle cyberbullying.

Ben Hartwig

Ben Hartwig is a web operations director at InfoTracer.com. He authors guides on marketing and cybersecurity posture and enjoys sharing best practices.

Internet connectivity has transformed how we work, learn, communicate, and entertain ourselves, bringing remarkable benefits to our daily lives. However, this connectivity has also given rise to internet addiction, a behavioral dependency affecting people across all age groups and backgrounds.

This guide explores the warning signs of problematic internet use in children and teens, its consequences on developing minds, and effective approaches families can implement together for healthier digital habits.

Understanding Internet Addiction in Young People

Internet addiction, also called problematic internet use (PIU), describes patterns of excessive online activity that interfere with daily functioning and cause significant distress. Unlike occasional overuse, addiction involves dependency characterized by an inability to control online activities despite negative consequences.

Common Types of Internet Addiction Affecting Youth

Children and teens are particularly vulnerable to several forms of internet dependency:

• Gaming addiction: Excessive engagement in online games affecting school performance

• Social media addiction: Compulsive checking and posting on networking platforms

• Information overload: Uncontrollable web surfing affecting focus and attention

• Online relationship dependency: Excessive involvement in virtual relationships

• Video streaming obsession: Inability to stop watching online content

Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For

Psychological Signs

Parents and educators should be alert to these psychological indicators:

• Preoccupation with internet activities even when offline
• Irritability, anxiety, or depression when internet access is restricted
• Needing increasing amounts of time online to achieve satisfaction
• Unsuccessful attempts to control or reduce use
• Diminished participation in once-enjoyable offline activities

Behavioral Changes

Observable behavior patterns often accompany problematic internet use:

• Declining academic performance or neglect of homework
• Disrupted sleep patterns from late-night online activities
• Secretive behavior about online activities
• Withdrawal from family interactions and face-to-face friendships
• Defensiveness when questioned about screen time
• Losing track of time when using devices

Physical Symptoms

Extended excessive internet use can manifest in physical ways:

• Eye strain, including blurry vision and headaches
• Poor posture resulting in neck and back discomfort
• Sleep disturbances affecting daytime alertness
• Reduced physical activity leading to fitness concerns
• Irregular eating patterns during extended screen sessions

Effects of Internet Addiction on Child Development

Cognitive Impact

Internet addiction can significantly affect developing minds:

• Reduced attention span for non-digital activities
• Difficulty with deep reading and sustained concentration
• Delayed development of critical thinking skills
• Diminished creativity and problem-solving abilities

Social Development Concerns

Excessive internet use can hinder essential social growth:

• Limited development of face-to-face communication skills
• Reduced empathy from fewer in-person interactions
• Difficulties interpreting non-verbal social cues
• Missing opportunities for collaborative play and cooperation

Academic Consequences

School performance often suffers significantly:

• Incomplete assignments and homework
• Reduced class participation
• Lower standardized test scores
• Missed learning opportunities from distracted engagement

Family-Centered Recovery Approaches

Creating Healthy Boundaries

Effective family strategies include:

• Establishing tech-free zones like dining rooms and bedrooms
• Setting specific times for internet use with clear limits
• Implementing device-free family activities and outings
• Using parental control tools that provide visibility into children’s online activities
• Creating a family media agreement with clear expectations

Digital Wellness Tools

Several resources can support healthier internet habits:

• Screen time management apps that track and limit usage
• Internet Matters provides family safety resources and guides
• Content filtering tools that restrict access to problematic content
• Connect Safely offers family resources for online safety

Building Digital Literacy

Empowering children with knowledge helps prevent problematic use:

• Teaching critical evaluation of online content
• Discussing digital citizenship and responsible online behavior
• Explaining how social media and games are designed to be addictive
• Promoting awareness of how excessive use affects brain development

Prevention Strategies for Parents and Educators

Early Education Approaches

Prevention begins with proactive education:

• Age-appropriate discussions about healthy technology use
• Modeling balanced digital habits for children to observe
• Developing diverse offline interests and activities
• Encouraging regular physical activity and outdoor time
• Teaching mindfulness and self-regulation techniques

School-Home Partnership

Collaborative approaches strengthen prevention efforts:

• Consistent screen time expectations between home and school
• Regular communication about digital behavior concerns
• Shared resources for addressing problematic internet or mobile phone use
• Combined monitoring of online activities and patterns

When to Seek Professional Help

Some situations require additional support:

• When a child’s internet use consistently disrupts family functioning
• If academic performance shows significant decline
• When behavioral changes indicate emotional distress
• If physical health issues develop from excessive use
• When self-implemented strategies prove ineffective

Professional interventions might include:

• Family therapy focused on digital habits
• Cognitive-behavioral approaches for compulsive internet use
• Treatment for co-occurring issues like anxiety or depression
• Specialized programs for technology addiction

Creating Balance in a Digital World

Recovery doesn’t mean eliminating technology—it means establishing a healthier relationship with it. By recognizing early warning signs, implementing family-centered strategies, and seeking help when needed, parents can guide children toward digital wellness that enhances rather than detracts from their development and wellbeing.

With appropriate boundaries, education, and support, families can navigate the digital landscape together, ensuring that technology remains a tool that enriches lives rather than controls them.

Individuals may have differing opinions about online screen time for their young family members. That’s okay. In your family, you may impose strict limits, allow access to devices within specific parameters, or take a more liberal approach. They’re all valid options. The important thing? To prioritise online safety.

Online tools are becoming more common in schools, and the entry point for kids being chronically online is becoming younger and younger. The best time to start conversations about internet safety is now.

Today’s Online Threats Explained

Finding the best way to help your family navigate online safety starts with understanding the specific risks faced by young people. Adults are often peripherally familiar with online scams and phishing tactics but may overlook other dangers that don’t seem immediately relevant.

Cyberbullying is an example. Even for victims of cyberbullying, it’s not always obvious what’s happening. It can take many forms—not just a relentless onslaught of hateful comments. It may also be the exclusion from certain online groups and/or the spread of vicious rumours through direct messages or in other “private” spaces. The worst part? Kids might continuously endure online harassment without telling their parents. They don’t talk about it because they’re afraid they simply won’t be allowed online.

Children and teenagers are also vulnerable to typical (and some non-typical) online scams, phishing attacks, and personal data theft. Online games may ask users to enter personal details to claim a “free reward”. Even adults are likely to focus more on the “free” part than consider how cybercriminals could use that information to exploit them, children and teens more so. Online quizzes, seemingly harmless, may actually be designed to collect personal data that can be packaged and sold on the dark web.

Malware injection has been around for ages. However, hacking groups’ methods of introducing bugs and viruses into a system are becoming more complex and specific to modern user behaviour. Those who seek out free streaming websites or download apps from unverified sources—which most of the population is guilty of having done at least once or twice—expose their devices to harmful software. Once malware is in place, it can be used to track keystrokes, steal passwords, or even lock certain files for ransom.

Why Are Children and Teens Particularly Vulnerable

Kids are curious. They are also often quick to trust and lack a deeper understanding and awareness of the bigger world. These traits expose them to various risks, especially online.

Some cybercriminals target young internet users specifically because they are easy targets.

Beyond financial and data theft scams, children are particularly susceptible to social manipulation. Online criminals are excellent at disguising their intentions. They even pretend to be peers or mentors to gain trust over time. Some adults may struggle to recognize certain red flags that an online interaction is suspicious. Imagine how much more difficult it is for young internet users with little experience interacting with the greater world.

The pressure to participate in online trends can be ever-present, not just for teens, but even for schoolchildren. Ever heard your young child use the word “sigma” or ask “English or Spanish?” Knowing and copying the latest viral videos and memes may feel necessary for kids who seek validation from their peers. Even if trends involve personal exposure, privacy risks, or even unsafe or unhealthy behaviour.

How Parents Can Intervene

It’s vital that kids are made aware of potential cybercrime risks and that parents implement age-appropriate boundaries and parameters to help young children avoid accidental exposure, especially if they are too young to comprehend potential consequences fully.

That doesn’t mean adopting a stance of fear or restriction! Overly strict rules can lead to secrecy or shame, especially if a child does notice something feels off or becomes embroiled in online trouble. Parental controls and content filters are useful tools but don’t substitute education, recognition, and communication.

Kids who understand—even at the simplest level—what’s at stake are more likely to take boundaries seriously and learn how to make the best choices for themselves when situations arise in which they need to know the safest route forward. It’s about finding the balance between limiting the type of unrestricted access that could expose a child to unnecessary risks and empowering children with knowledge and trust.

Securing Devices

One way to promote a culture of cybersecurity at home? Lead by example. Remember that kids see everything. Adults can incept good online safety habits by adopting them in their interactions with the online world.

• There is absolutely no excuse not to use strong passwords. But even a good password can be bypassed. Opt-in for multifactor authentication to make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to an account, even if they have the password.

• Make sure automatic software updates are turned on. Also, find a digestible way to explain to young family members why a device using outdated software is at greater risk of being hacked.

• Invest in security software with antivirus and anti-malware features. They can help identify and block potentially malicious links and files.
• Regularly check and review app permissions. Thoughtfully determine which disable permissions aren’t essential. Google Maps may need to know your location. Does Roblox?

• Use a VPN. A VPN encrypts internet traffic, protecting devices from data thieves and hackers, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. Educate children about the importance of using a VPN on school or public networks.

• Make sure to lock devices with a password or biometric data. That way, if a device is lost, it’s not a risk of being immediately compromised by the stranger who finds it.

Cybersecurity: A Multi-Front Approach

Most young children and teens already have access to multiple devices that connect to the internet. While your family may choose to be a mostly screen-free household (completely reasonable), kids still share their toys and games with friends and use the internet at school. The conversation about online safety is relevant and important. Take a measured and practical approach. Find ways to address issues proactively and pragmatically—without dipping into the realm of paranoia.

Parents must do their part, but communities, schools, and larger governmental bodies can also step up. By funding research, sharing information, and providing families with access to resources, cybersecurity issues can be addressed with the thoroughness they deserve. After all, online safety is not just about protecting individual households. It’s about protecting the future generation.