The post Scammers Will Target Your Kids in Online Games first appeared on iDefend.
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- Scammers Will Target Your Kids in Online Games
What You Need to Know
Gaming platforms like Roblox and Fortnite attract millions of young users, making them prime targets for scammers looking to exploit their trust and inexperience. These scams often result in stolen accounts, unauthorized purchases, or even identity theft. Scammers may message and befriend your child, teaming up with them in game and talking to them for weeks before an attempt is made for scamming your child.
- Fake Currency Generators – Scammers promise free in-game currency if players complete certain actions, like clicking on links or watching ads. These links often install malware that steals login credentials, giving scammers full access to the player’s account. Once inside, they can change passwords, make unauthorized purchases, or even sell the stolen account.
- Fraudulent Websites – Some websites claim to sell in-game currency at discounted rates, tricking players into entering their account details or credit card information. These fake sites look official but are designed to steal login credentials and financial data.
- Social Engineering Tactics – Scammers often pose as friendly players or “game moderators,” convincing kids to share their passwords or other personal details. They may claim to need the information to “help” the player or offer special perks in return.
- Privacy Risks and Data Breaches – In the past, gaming companies have faced lawsuits for improperly handling children’s personal information. Without strong security settings, kids may unknowingly share private data with strangers through in-game chat or unmonitored interactions.
If successful, these scams can lead to stolen accounts, financial loss, exposure of sensitive information, and even identity theft.
What You Should Do
Parents can take several proactive steps to safeguard their children from online scams while allowing them to enjoy gaming responsibly.
- Educate Your Kids About Scams – Discuss how scammers operate and emphasize that they should never share personal or financial information, login credentials, or passwords—even with someone who claims to be from the game’s support team. Teach them that if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Adding an extra layer of security makes it harder for hackers to access gaming accounts, even if login details are compromised. Most platforms, including Roblox and Fortnite, offer 2FA options that should be turned on.
- Monitor In-Game Purchases – Prevent unauthorized spending by setting up parental controls on credit cards linked to gaming accounts. Consider using prepaid gift cards instead of linking a bank account to minimize financial risk.
- Adjust Privacy and Chat Settings – Many online games allow players to turn off chat features, limit interactions with strangers, and control who can send friend requests. These settings help reduce the risk of scammers engaging with your child.
- Verify All Websites and Offers – Only purchase in-game currency through official game websites or app stores. If your child encounters a promotion or deal online, verify its authenticity before allowing them to proceed.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords – Encourage your child to use a different password for each game and store them in a password manager. If an account gets hacked, reset the password immediately.
- Be Aware of Your Kids Gaming Sessions – While your child is gaming, step in the room and watch them, become invested. Ask them questions about the game, who they are playing with, how they know them. Avoid sounding like you are investigating them, but actually invested in their gameplay. By doing so, you’ll be able to help monitor their gaming and also potentially catch any threats.
Not sure you’re doing enough to protect your child against digital dangers?
Call our cyber parenting hotline or email us for help:
801-692-6200
[email protected]
The post Scammers Will Target Your Kids in Online Games first appeared on iDefend.
]]>The post Youtube Kids is Not as Safe as You Think first appeared on iDefend.
]]> - Youtube Kids is Not as Safe as You Think
What You Need to Know
YouTube Kids is designed to provide a safe and engaging experience for young viewers, but in reality, it harbors several risks that parents may not be aware of. The platform uses an algorithm to filter content, but inappropriate videos still manage to slip through. Some videos feature beloved children’s characters like Elsa or Spider-Man engaging in suggestive or disturbing behavior—such as spanking, violence, or themes that mimic adult situations.
While Youtube does try to remove these channels and videos, the content creators can quickly reupload and create multiple channels to best reach your child.
Beyond inappropriate content, the autoplay feature can lead children from innocent videos to more questionable material, sometimes without parents realizing. Additionally, the addictive nature of YouTube Kids encourages binge-watching, which can negatively impact a child’s cognitive development, sleep patterns, and ability to focus. Overexposure to screen time at a young age has been linked to increased anxiety, irritability, and reduced attention spans.
What You Should Do
To create a safer digital environment for children, parents should take proactive steps, including:
- Actively Monitoring Content – Parents should regularly check their child’s watch history and sit with them while they view content rather than relying solely on YouTube Kids’ built-in filters.
- Disabling Autoplay – Turning off autoplay prevents children from unintentionally being exposed to inappropriate content as one video leads to another.
- Using Alternative Platforms – Paid streaming services like Netflix Kids, Disney+, or PBS Kids have stronger content moderation and offer a safer experience.
- Setting Screen Time Limits – The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time for young children. Parents should set boundaries and encourage offline activities.
- Using External Parental Controls – Apps like Bark, Qustodio, and Norton Family provide additional content filtering, usage tracking, and alerts for potentially harmful content.
- Enabling YouTube Kids’ Strictest Settings – While not foolproof, using the most restrictive parental controls available on YouTube Kids can help minimize exposure to harmful videos.
Not sure you’re doing enough to protect your child against digital dangers?
Call our cyber parenting hotline or email us for help:
801-692-6200
[email protected]
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]]>The post How Digital Addiction Affects Your Child first appeared on iDefend.
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- How Digital Addiction Affects Your Child
What You Need to Know
Digital addiction is a growing concern among children and teens, as excessive screen time can negatively impact their physical health, emotional well-being, and cognitive development. While technology plays an essential role in education and socialization, overuse can create dependency, making it difficult for kids to engage in real-world activities and relationships.
How Digital Addiction Develops:
Apps, games, and social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged. Features like autoplay, endless scrolling, and instant notifications stimulate dopamine release in the brain, creating a cycle of pleasure and reinforcement. Over time, this can lead to compulsive behavior, where children feel the need to check their devices constantly, even when it interferes with daily life.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling with Digital Addiction:
- Neglected Responsibilities – Schoolwork, chores, and hobbies take a backseat as screen time dominates their daily routine.
- Social Withdrawal – Preferring online interactions over in-person relationships, leading to isolation from friends and family.
- Irritability Offline – Frustration, mood swings, or tantrums when they are asked to put their devices away.
- Shortened Attention Span – Struggling to focus on tasks for extended periods due to constant digital stimulation.
- Disrupted Sleep Patterns – Blue light exposure from screens suppresses melatonin production, making it difficult to fall and stay asleep, leading to fatigue and decreased academic performance.
- Compulsive Device Use – Reaching for the phone or tablet out of habit, even when not necessary, and feeling anxious when unable to access it.
- Decreased Interest in Physical Activity – A preference for sedentary screen-based entertainment over outdoor play or sports.
What You Should Do
- Set Clear Boundaries – Establish firm screen time limits and stick to them. Outline when and where devices can be used and enforce consistent rules.
- Create Device-Free Zones and Times – Ban screens during family meals, gatherings, and bedtime to encourage better sleep and face-to-face communication.
- Limit App and Game Time – Use parental controls to set daily time limits on devices and gaming systems, requiring approval for additional use.
- Encourage Alternative Activities – Promote outdoor play, reading, and hands-on hobbies that engage creativity and reduce reliance on screens.
- Foster Open Communication – Talk to your child about the risks of excessive screen time and encourage them to share any concerns about their digital habits.
- Lead by Example – Model healthy screen habits by taking breaks, prioritizing offline activities, and being present during family time.
- Use Positive Reinforcement – Reward efforts to limit screen time and engage in non-digital activities with praise or incentives.
Not sure you’re doing enough to protect your child against digital dangers?
Call our cyber parenting hotline or email us for help:
801-692-6200
[email protected]
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]]>The post The Risks of Snapchat’s AI Chatbot first appeared on iDefend.
]]> - The Risks of Snapchat’s AI Chatbot
What You Need to Know
Snapchat’s AI chatbot presents hidden dangers that many parents may not immediately recognize. While it appears to be a harmless digital companion, it can mislead teens by providing advice on sensitive topics such as relationships, mental health, and self-harm—without the empathy or nuance of a real human.
Teens, still developing their critical thinking skills, may accept the chatbot’s responses as fact, leading to potential misinformation and risky decisions. If you persist with specific topics, Snapchat AI will stop responding, but if the user restarts the app, they can continue the questions.
Additionally, privacy concerns arise as all interactions with the AI are recorded, feeding into Snapchat’s data collection systems. Perhaps most concerning, parents cannot remove the chatbot without purchasing a Snapchat+ subscription, making it impossible to limit their child’s exposure.
What You Should Do
- Educate Your Teen About AI Limitations – Explain that AI chatbots, including Snapchat’s, do not think or understand emotions like humans. They generate responses based on patterns in data, which can lead to misinformation or advice that lacks empathy. Encourage your teen to question AI-generated responses rather than blindly accepting them as fact.
- Encourage Open Communication – Create a safe space for your teen to talk about their online experiences. Let them know they can come to you with concerns about conversations they’ve had with the AI or other digital interactions. Avoid overreacting so they feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics with you instead of turning to a chatbot.
Set Privacy and Safety Boundaries – While Snapchat does not allow free users to remove the AI chatbot, you can still take steps to enhance privacy:
- Adjust Snapchat’s privacy settings to limit who can contact your child.
- Disable location-sharing features to prevent unnecessary data collection.
- Regularly review their app usage and discuss responsible online behavior.
- Monitor App Usage and Conversations – If your teen is younger or more vulnerable, consider using parental control tools to monitor their interactions. Snapchat does not offer built-in AI chatbot restrictions, also, text can changed to disappear once you leave the chat, making what is discussed hidden. This is one of the big reasons why we recommend Snapchat not be installed.
- Consider Limiting or Removing Snapchat Access – If the risks outweigh the benefits, you may want to limit the use of Snapchat altogether. This could mean setting screen time restrictions, encouraging alternative social apps with better parental controls, or discussing why taking a break from social media might be beneficial.
Not sure you’re doing enough to protect your child against digital dangers?
Call our cyber parenting hotline or email us for help:
801-692-6200
[email protected]
The post The Risks of Snapchat’s AI Chatbot first appeared on iDefend.
]]>The post The Risks of Social Media for Teens first appeared on iDefend.
]]> - The Risks of Social Media for Teens
What You Need to Know
Social media plays a major role in teenagers’ lives, but without proper privacy settings, it can expose them to significant dangers. Predators, cyberbullies, and identity thieves often exploit public profiles to gain access to personal information, manipulate teens, or cause emotional harm.
- Predators and Fake Profiles – Online predators use social media to find and manipulate teens by creating fake profiles. They often pose as someone their age, slowly building trust before pressuring them to share personal information or explicit content. Once obtained, this material can be used for blackmail or coercion.
- Cyberbullying and Harassment – Public social media accounts leave teens vulnerable to online bullying. Hurtful comments, rumor-spreading, and even fake accounts created to humiliate them can lead to severe emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.
- Unwanted Followers and Oversharing – Teens may unknowingly share personal details such as their school, daily routine, or location, making them easy targets for stalkers or identity thieves. Without privacy settings in place, their posts can be accessed by strangers who may track their movements or misuse their information.
What You Should Do
To minimize risks and create a safer online experience, parents should take an active role in their teen’s social media use by implementing key privacy measures and fostering digital awareness.
- Set Social Media Accounts to Private – Help your teen adjust privacy settings so only approved friends and followers can see their posts, send messages, and interact with their content. This prevents strangers from accessing their information.
- Review and Adjust Privacy Settings – Each platform has different settings that must be manually updated to ensure safety. Some key steps include:
- Instagram: Enable “Private Account” mode, restrict messages to friends, and require manual approval for tagged photos.
- TikTok: Turn on “Private Account,” disable the ability to download videos, and turn off “Suggest Your Account to Others.”
- Snapchat: Enable “Ghost Mode” to hide your teen’s location and turn off “Quick Add” to prevent strangers from easily finding them.
- Monitor Followers and Messages – Regularly check your teen’s followers and messages to identify any suspicious activity. Encourage them to remove unknown followers and report any concerning interactions.
- Teach Online Safety and Awareness – Have open conversations about digital dangers. Teach your teen to recognize red flags, such as strangers asking for personal information, pressuring them to send private photos, or attempting to move conversations to less secure platforms.
- Use Parental Controls and Monitoring Tools – Many devices and apps offer parental control features that allow you to limit content exposure, block unwanted contacts, and prevent your teen from changing privacy settings. Consider using parental monitoring tools with their knowledge and consent to ensure their online safety.
Not sure you’re doing enough to protect your child against digital dangers?
Call our cyber parenting hotline or email us for help:
801-692-6200
[email protected]
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]]>The post The Unseen Threat Parents Need to Know About on Roblox first appeared on iDefend.
]]> - The Unseen Threat Parents Need to Know About on Roblox
What You Need to Know
- Roblox’s Popularity and Risks: Roblox is a highly interactive platform with over 65 million daily active users, many of whom are children. While it fosters creativity and social engagement, its openness makes it a target for online predators.
- How Predators Operate: Predators exploit chat systems, fake profiles, and private rooms to groom and exploit children. They often disguise harmful spaces as harmless game elements and use rewards or friendship as manipulation tactics.
- Hidden Dangers: Despite Roblox’s safety measures like moderation systems and community reporting, the platform’s size allows harmful content and predators to reappear quickly. Predators adapt to evade detection, making constant vigilance necessary.
What You Should Do
- Disable Text Communication: Adjust settings to restrict or disable text-based interactions to limit contact with strangers.
- Review Privacy Settings: Ensure profiles are private and friend requests are limited to real-life acquaintances. Regularly check these settings for changes.
- Educate Your Child: Talk openly about online safety, warning against sharing personal information and encouraging them to report uncomfortable interactions.
- Monitor Gameplay: Keep an eye on your child’s activities, monitor chats, and use parental controls to spot red flags like secrecy or behavior changes.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules for gaming time and acceptable activities, emphasizing interaction only with trusted friends.
- Stay Updated: Learn about the latest online safety strategies and tactics used by predators to stay ahead of potential risks.
Not sure you’re doing enough to protect your child against digital dangers?
Call our cyber parenting hotline or email us for help:
801-692-6200
[email protected]
The post The Unseen Threat Parents Need to Know About on Roblox first appeared on iDefend.
]]>The post The Dangers of AI Relationships for Teens first appeared on iDefend.
]]> - The Dangers of AI Relationships for Teens
What You Need to Know
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday life, AI chatbots designed for companionship have gained popularity among teenagers. While these programs may seem harmless or even beneficial, they can create deep emotional attachments that pose serious risks to mental health. AI chatbots are programmed to simulate human-like interactions, offering companionship, validation, and even romantic engagement. For vulnerable teens, especially those struggling with mental health issues, this can lead to emotional dependency, detachment from reality, and social withdrawal.
The tragic case of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer highlights the darker side of AI companionship, where an emotionally vulnerable teen formed an intense bond with a chatbot, ultimately leading to devastating consequences. This case raises urgent concerns about the potential for AI interactions to manipulate emotions, reinforce negative thoughts, and even contribute to dangerous decision-making.
What You Should Do
Set Technology Boundaries: Limit screen time, restrict access to apps that promote AI companionship, and use parental controls to monitor digital interactions.
Supervise App Downloads: Apps like Snapchat, AI chatbots, and others pose unique risks. The best way to protect your child is to stay informed about the apps they install and use.
Educate About AI Risks: Explain how AI chatbots simulate emotions and relationships, emphasizing the importance of real human connections over digital companionship.
Encourage Real-World Social Engagement: Promote participation in extracurricular activities, sports, volunteering, and family time to reduce dependence on digital interactions.
Monitor for Warning Signs: Watch for increased isolation, emotional distress, or changes in behavior that may indicate digital addiction or unhealthy AI attachment.
Seek Professional Support if Needed: If signs of depression, anxiety, or emotional dependency emerge, consult a mental health professional for guidance and support.
Not sure you’re doing enough to protect your child against digital dangers?
Call our cyber parenting hotline or email us for help:
801-692-6200
[email protected]
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]]>The post Privacy and Security Risks of Kids’ Smartwatches first appeared on iDefend.
]]> - Privacy and Security Risks of Kids’ Smartwatches
What You Need to Know
While smartwatches offer benefits like GPS tracking, communication, and fitness monitoring, they also pose significant privacy and cybersecurity risks. These devices collect sensitive data, including location, activity levels, and communication logs, which may be stored on company servers vulnerable to breaches.
Many brands lack strong security measures, making children’s data susceptible to hackers or unauthorized third-party access. Additionally, companies can legally collect and sell this data for advertising purposes, as children’s information is not always protected by stringent privacy regulations. Parents must be aware of these risks to make informed decisions about their child’s digital safety.
What You Should Do
- Choose a Secure Smartwatch: Research reputable brands with strong privacy policies and enhanced security features designed for children.
- Review Privacy Policies: Understand how your child’s data is stored, shared, and used before purchasing a device.
- Adjust Privacy Settings: Disable unnecessary features like location tracking or third-party data sharing to minimize exposure.
- Use Strong Passwords: Set unique, complex passwords for both the device and its companion app, enabling two-factor authentication if available.
- Monitor Device Usage: Regularly check for unusual activity or unauthorized app installations to ensure the smartwatch is being used safely.
- Understand the Risks: Smartwatches can be valuable tools for keeping your child connected and ensuring their safety through location tracking. While they do come with potential risks, their benefits may outweigh the concerns—ultimately, it’s up to you as a parent to determine whether a smartwatch is the right choice for your child.
Not sure you’re doing enough to protect your child against digital dangers?
Call our cyber parenting hotline or email us for help:
801-692-6200
[email protected]
The post Privacy and Security Risks of Kids’ Smartwatches first appeared on iDefend.
]]>The post Sexting: The Risks and Legality Your Teen Needs to Know first appeared on iDefend.
]]> - Sexting: The Risks and Legality Your Teen Needs to Know
What You Need to Know
Sexting, or sharing sexually explicit content digitally, has become a growing concern among teens, with significant emotional, psychological, and legal risks. Many teens, influenced by peer pressure or curiosity, engage in sexting without fully understanding the consequences. These include:
- Legal Consequences: Teens can face criminal charges if explicit images are shared, even with consent, as it can be considered child pornography.
- Emotional and Psychological Impacts: Sexting can lead to shame, bullying, isolation, and long-term emotional distress.
- Irreversibility of Digital Sharing: Once shared, explicit content can be saved, copied, and circulated, making it impossible to fully control its distribution.
In addition to the risks of sexting, there is the danger of online predators creating fake profiles on social media, often posing as someone of the opposite gender to gain your teen’s trust. Once your child accepts their friend request, the predator will engage in conversation, building a fake relationship until they eventually ask for explicit photos. After receiving these images, the predator may threaten to share them with friends or family unless the child pays a sum of money, engaging in blackmail.
The most effective way to protect your teen from these dangers is to NEVER send explicit photos altogether.
What You Should Do
- Start Early and Be Proactive: Have open conversations about online safety, respect, and the risks of sexting before incidents occur.
- Create a Judgment-Free Zone: Approach the topic with empathy to foster trust and encourage open dialogue.
- Use Real-Life Examples: Discuss news stories or scenarios that highlight the serious consequences of sexting.
- Teach Consent and Boundaries: Reinforce the importance of privacy and respect for others’ boundaries, emphasizing that no one should be pressured into sending explicit content.
- Highlight Legal Risks: Explain the legal consequences of sexting in an age-appropriate manner to ensure teens understand the gravity of their actions.
- Strengthen Privacy Settings: Help your teen set up privacy settings on social media and devices to limit exposure to inappropriate content.
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Teach the “pause before you send” principle, reminding them that anything shared online could potentially become public.
- Foster Healthy Online Relationships: Help teens recognize signs of unhealthy interactions or pressure to send explicit content.
- Monitor Online Activity: Consider using monitoring apps but communicate openly about their use to maintain transparency and trust.
- Address Sextortion: Educate teens about the risks of sextortion and encourage them to report any suspicious online behavior immediately.
Not sure you’re doing enough to protect your child against digital dangers?
Call our cyber parenting hotline or email us for help:
801-692-6200
[email protected]
The post Sexting: The Risks and Legality Your Teen Needs to Know first appeared on iDefend.
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