Teens may be secretive about their internet interactions, but they need to be protected from online dangers. We explore ways to establish trust and encourage safer behavior on the internet.Â
As a PCMag security analyst, I report on security solutions such as password managers and parental control software, as well as privacy tools such as VPNs. Each week I send out the SecurityWatch newsletter filled with online security news and tips for keeping you and your family safe on the internet.Â
When did you start depending on the internet as your primary source for entertainment, communication, and information? Given the reader demographics for PCMag.com, it’s safe to assume many of you were already adults by the time social media and online multiplayer gaming started dominating the zeitgeist. I became an adult during the social media age, so I already had a well-established circle of friends I communicated with offline, but I also had the option to seek out new friends and new experiences online.
Separating offline and online friends isn’t really possible for today’s kids. Teens are connected to everything and everyone online at all times. Kids use the internet all day at school, and when they come home, the online world is where they consume many forms of entertainment, establish relationships, and begin creating their personal identities. According to a global survey from McAfee(Opens in a new window), many of today’s kids began using the internet regularly on their mobile devices between ages 15 and 16. That’s pretty early to be given complete access to everything the internet contains.
I recently spoke with Sachin Puri, vice president of marketing for McAfee, about the results of the security company’s 2022 Connected Family Study. He told me kids want to avoid common online dangers such as cyberbullying, online account theft, and unauthorized use of personal data, but they may not know how to stay safe. Puri said, “Of the people surveyed, 73% of the children said they look to their parents for resources to help them stay protected online.”
Teens want to be protected online, so they make that job easy for their parents, right? Of course not. The study shows that more than half of the teen respondents (59%) say they hide their online activity by clearing their browser histories, hiding or deleting chat messages and videos, browsing in incognito mode, using a device their parents don’t check, or simply lying or omitting details about what they are doing online in conversations with their parents.
So what can a parent do to protect their secretive teens while they’re online?
The best answer to the question above is likely a little different for every family, but it should probably all start with a long chat. Puri said, “Parents have to create an environment where kids feel comfortable for these open and transparent conversations about online activity. Understanding the habits and behavior of family members online is only going to help everybody in the family. It may be a conversation about limiting the time on gaming devices, or it may be a conversation about installing software to keep everybody protected.”
Next, parents need to consider the family’s online safety routines. The survey showed just 56% of parents say they protect their smartphone with a password, and that number drops to 42% for smartphones owned by their children. Failing to protect devices or online accounts with the best security available can result in data theft if an unlocked smart device is lost or stolen or if accounts are compromised. Use a password manager to keep track of all of your family’s online credentials, install an antivirus to keep kids from accidentally infecting your home devices with malware while they browse, and use parental control software to block kids from accessing dangerous websites in the first place.
Finally, Puri told me that teaching all kids how to respond to threats such as cyberbullying, hacking, and phishing attempts is important. He said, “Our study finds girls are usually more protected by their parents online than boys, but it is boys who encounter more issues online. About 23% of the parents say they will check the browsing and email history on a PC of their daughter, aged 10 to 14. For boys, it’s only 16%. This disparity appears again where 22% of parents restrict access to certain sites for girls and only 16% for boys. We have to do better. We have to protect all children. I recommend that parents have a plan so that you can set the priorities of what steps need to be taken as a family together.”
What will your family plan look like? Here’s a list of six action items to get you started.
Learn how to protect yourself.
Antivirus is a cornerstone of online protection, but a software security suite that covers both your computer and mobile devices provides a wider safety net. The best security suites come bundled with firewall protection, a password manager, phishing detection, and a VPN.
Learn how to protect your identity online.
McAfee’s study found that 15% of children experienced attempted account theft, while 28% of parents reported it happening to them. An identity protection service monitors your family’s accounts and personal info for unauthorized or suspicious activity.
Take the time to protect your devices.
Lock down your family’s mobile devices with a PIN or other protection like facial recognition or a fingerprint scan. For apps, use multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
Protect your accounts with strong passwords.
Use a unique password for each account. This makes it more difficult for hackers to compromise multiple accounts. A password manager will do all the work by creating and storing strong, unique passwords for you.
Keep your software and devices updated.
Updating your operating systems and apps will keep you current with the latest features and enhancements, and help you keep one step ahead of hackers as well. Many updates to operating systems and apps include security fixes and enhancements, which can keep bad actors from taking advantage of any exploits or loopholes on your devices.
Keep talking to your family.
When talking with your kids about their day, weave in a few questions about what’s happening online. What are their favorite games and apps right now? What shows are they watching? Is there a funny post or video they want to share? These questions will help you understand their world a bit better and will help teens become more comfortable talking with their parents about their private online lives.
Like what you’re reading? Get an extra story delivered to your inbox weekly. Sign up for the SecurityWatch newsletter.
Hackers Hit Wedding Site Zola to Steal Funds From Users. Zola says the targeted victims had used the same username-password combinations on other websites. In response, the wedding company initiated a mass password reset for its users.
Google: A Spyware Company Exploited 5 Chrome, Android Zero-Days in 2021. For once it wasn’t NSO Group.
FTC to Crack Down on Educational Software Engaging in Data Surveillance. Virtual learning providers cannot deny a child access to educational technologies if their parents or school refuse the excessive data collection policy, the FTC says.
Cyber Attacks on Ukraine: Not What You Think. Ukraine suffers almost continuously under cyberattacks attributed to Russia. Experts say, though, that almost none of these attacks directly support physical attacks.
Russia Gets a Taste of Its Own Medicine as Hackers Target the Country. Vladimir Putin thinks a switch to ‘domestic technology’ is the solution.
Sign up for SecurityWatch newsletter for our top privacy and security stories delivered right to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Advertisement
As a PCMag security analyst, I report on security solutions such as password managers and parental control software, as well as privacy tools such as VPNs. Each week I send out the SecurityWatch newsletter filled with online security news and tips for keeping you and your family safe on the internet.Â
Before joining PCMag, I wrote about tech and video games for CNN, Fanbyte, Mashable, The New York Times, and TechRadar. I also worked at CNN International, where I did field producing and reporting on sports that are popular with worldwide audiences. Yes, I know the rules of cricket.
Read Kim’s full bio
PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.
© 1996-2022 Ziff Davis. PCMag Digital Group
PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.