With online scams becoming more sophisticated, children, often trusting and inexperienced, are increasingly vulnerable to phishing, impersonation, and fraud schemes on the internet. In the U.S., Google searches for “internet safety for kids” increased by 49% in the last week, while searches for “internet safety for teens” have more than doubled (130%).
Kassie McOmber, Ed.S., NCSP, School Psychology Advisor at BlazerWorks who partners with ProCare Therapy, offers expert tips on teaching kids how to spot phishing scams and advice on recognizing behavioral changes that may signal they’ve been targeted.
The Most Common Online Scams Targeting Children Today
To better understand the risks, ProCare has outlined the most common types of online scams children face today:
- Phishing Scams: Fraudulent messages or emails that trick children into sharing personal information, such as messages claiming they’ve won a prize in a contest they never entered.
- Impersonation Scams: Scammers pose as friends, family members, or even popular influencers to gain a child’s trust.
- Gaming Scams: In-game purchases and offers that seem “too good to be true” often lead to financial loss or data theft. For example, a pop-up offer promising free currency in exchange for login details is a common trap.
- Social Media Scams: Fake giveaways, quizzes, or direct messages designed to collect personal information. For instance, a “click here to win a new phone” giveaway.
Identifying Signs That Your Child has been Scammed
McOmber shares, “Falling victim to an online scam can have a significant impact on a child’s emotional and mental health. Children are particularly vulnerable to the psychological effects of scams, as they may not fully understand the extent of the deception and manipulation. Common signs to watch for include sudden withdrawal, increased secrecy around online activities, or a reluctance to share details about their digital experiences. These changes in behavior can be indicative of underlying stress, shame, or confusion, especially if the child feels that they were duped or misled.
“Another key red flag is a shift in emotional responses. A child who is usually confident may become more anxious or hesitant about using technology, or they may show signs of emotional distress when talking about certain online interactions. It’s important for parents to remember that the psychological impact of being scammed can be long-lasting, potentially leading to issues with trust, self-esteem, and even social anxiety if not addressed. Early intervention and open communication are crucial in helping children navigate these challenges and restore their emotional well-being.”
Tips to Protect Children from Online Scams
- Educate Your Child Through Games and Role-Playing: Instead of just explaining scam tactics, make it interactive by using games or role-playing scenarios. Create a “scam detective” game where your child has to spot the fake messages or websites, teaching them to recognize scams in an engaging way.
- Establish a Family Safe Word: Set up a family safe word or secret phrase that can be used in legitimate interactions. If your child receives a message from one of you, and they’re unsure if it’s real, they can ask for the safe word.
- Monitor Online Activity, But Involve Your Child: Rather than just monitoring your child’s online activity, you can get them involved in the process. Set up family rules on screen time and app usage, and explain why certain sites or apps might be unsafe.
- Create an Open Line of Communication: Make sure your child knows they can talk to you about any online experiences without fear of punishment. You can also consider setting up regular check-ins where you can talk about their experiences and questions about the internet.
- Stay Ahead of the Curve: Scams are constantly evolving, meaning it’s vital to keep yourself clued up not only on the latest scams but also new features when it comes to parental control and monitoring programs.
“Creating a dialogue with your child about online safety is key,” says McOmber.The more children understand the risks, the more empowered they will be to make safer choices online.”
As online scams evolve, children are becoming increasingly vulnerable—not just at home, but in the classroom as well. This Safer Internet Day, ProCare is committed to helping parents protect their children from digital dangers.
If you’re looking to make a difference in children’s lives by educating and supporting them through these challenges, take the next step with ProCare and explore job opportunities in education and school therapy today. Visit www.procaretherapy.com to learn more.
About the contributing organization
A true partner in education, ProCare Therapy is one of the country's top sources of school-based therapy and teachers. We are solely dedicated to making a difference in the life of each child, every day, with every school session. Whether you're a school in need of therapists or a clinician looking for a company that values your gifts, ProCare Therapy is your source. www.procaretherapy.com.
