Keeping kids safe from scams
Published: 19th December 2024
Explaining a scam
A scam is a dishonest plan to trick someone into giving away money, personal information or valuables. Scammers pretend to be someone they are not. They might promise you something that sounds too good to be true, or ask for personal details to try to get access to your online accounts so they can steal your money or something valuable from you. Scamming is a crime, so it’s really important to look out for it and be aware of it. You might think that scamming only happens to adults, but it can happen to kids too!
Where should you look out for scams?
- Online shopping
- In your emails and on social media
- Online banking or payment cards
- Online gaming
- Fake competitions
- Online quizzes
- Talent scouting
How to help your kids stay safe
Do
- Educate about scams: Teach children to recognise phishing attempts, fake links, and scam emails
- Encourage open communication: Ensure children feel comfortable talking about anything suspicious they see online
- Set parental controls: Use trusted parental control tools to monitor and limit online activity
- Guide social media use: Help children adjust privacy settings and avoid sharing personal information
- Review downloads: Check and approve apps, games, or files before children download them
- Lead by example: Model safe online habits, such as avoiding suspicious links and using secure passwords
Don’t
- Ignore warning signs: Don’t dismiss complaints or confusion about suspicious online encounters
- Assume kids know: Never assume children understand the risks of online scams without guidance
- Share sensitive information: Avoid using shared devices to save passwords or financial details
- Allow unrestricted access: Don’t let children access websites or apps without verifying their safety
- Overreact to mistakes: Avoid scolding children harshly if they fall for a scam; instead use it as a learning moment
- Underestimate scammers: Scammers will not discriminate, kids are just as likely to be targeted as adults
More resources
- Watch FYI Investigates: Stand up to scammers from our partner news show by Sky Kids
- Kids can also read more advice on scamming here
