
When we talk about online safety for children, the focus is usually on social media risks, online bullying or inappropriate websites. But there’s another area we can’t overlook: cybersecurity education.
The theme for Safer Internet Day 2025 (held on 11th February) is “Too good to be true? Keeping yourself and others safe from scams online” which is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about cybersecurity for students, their teachers and parents.
Why Do Kids Need Cybersecurity Awareness?
While anyone can fall for an online scam, children are especially vulnerable. Their lack of life experience makes it harder to spot potential threats – and they are also spending more time online than ever before.
According to recent Ofcom studies:
- Around a quarter of 5-7 year olds now own a smartphone
- 32% of kids in this age group use social media independently.
By the time children reach Year 6 in Primary School, peer pressure to own a phone or be “left out” intensifies so it’s no surprise that by the age of 12, 97% of children have their own mobile phone.
No matter when children get their first phone, teaching them how to navigate online spaces safely is an invaluable life skill. Whether it’s learning how to create secure passwords or learning to pause and think before sharing personal information, these lessons last a lifetime.

Common Scams That Target Children – What Parents and Carers Need to Know:
Adults can play a crucial role in supporting young people by being aware of the types of scams that might target children. Here are some common ones:
Gaming / In-App Purchase Scams
Gamers should be cautious about who they interact with online. Common gaming scams include:
- Fake messages asking for account details.
- Offers for in-game items or currency that never materialise.
- Unusual requests for personal information.
For more tips on how to protect against gaming scams, visit The Cyber Helpline’s guide.
Social Media Scams: Fake Giveaways and Catfishing
It’s easy to be tricked by “too good to be true” offers. Social media scams includes:
- ‘Catfishing’: When someone uses a fake profile to befriend you, gain your trust and ask for personal or sensitive information.
- Fake giveaways, contests or quizes: Scammers posing as influencers or companies, offering a “special offer” that ultimately seeks to steal your money or personal details.
Take a look at Internet Matters for a great guide to social media scams with examples of some of the common techniques used to trick people. Link > https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/online-money-management-guide/social-media-scams-advice-guide-to-support-young-people/
Phishing and Malicious Downloads
Phishing scams involve emails, texts or messages via social media designed to trick you into giving away personal information or clicking on harmful links. It’s also a method to get users to click on a download which is actually malicious software (malware). Be wary of:
- Urgent language trying to rush you into acting without thinking.
- Unusual looking links
- Attempts to collect personal information
Be “Scam Aware”: Essential Cyber Safety Tips for Children
Here are some practical, everyday tips and “red flags” that all kids should know:
Protecting Personal Data:
- Create strong passwords: Don’t use names or common phrases, use at least 8 characters, mix upper and lowercase letters, and include symbols and numbers. Never share passwords – even with friends as they could always get lost or fall into the wrong hands.
- Set up 2 factor authentication (2FA) on apps if it’s available: – This adds a layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone or email each time someone logs into your account.
- Be cautious about sharing info: It’s best not to share your address, date of birth, national insurance number or banking details online without checking with a trusted adult first.
Suspicious links:
- Think before you click: Look at the URL – does it seem odd or has strange spelling? If it claims to be from a company, try visiting their website directly instead. If you’re normally quite impulsive, find a method that helps you pause before you act – could you take a screenshot so that you can review it later with a trusted adult?
- Ignore unexpected texts / messages: Is it from an unknown sender or a website pop-up that appears to be taking you to a different website or asking you to download something?
- Is it “too good to be true”? Be wary of amazing offers that seem too cheap to be real.
- Trustworthy websites: Only shop on websites you know and trust. If you’re not sure, ask an adult for an opinion.
- Don’t rush into decisions: Spot common tactics like using phrases such as “Hurry”, act now!” and “doors are closing on this offer” that pressure you into buying something. Take a step back and think before reacting.
What Can Parents Do to Help:
Here’s how parents can support kids in staying safe online:
- Install anti-virus software on your child’s devices to help protect against malware.
- Set up a password manager app on the device to store passwords securely – many have free plans – click here for some recommendations.
- Use parental controls to set your child’s social media account to private. Internet Matters offers step-by-step guides for every major platform. Link > https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/
- Have open conversations about scams: Discuss online dangers with your kids and if you encounter a scam yourself, this is a perfect opportunity to show them a real-life example, so they begin to understand what to look out for.
Further resources:
For more information on keeping kids safe from online scams, visit:
The National Cyber Security Centre: www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams
Internet Matters: www.internetmatters.org/hub/expert-opinion/common-online-scams-targeting-teenagers/
The UK Safer Internet Centre (Safer Internet Day 2025): https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2025
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