As children and teens spend more time online, they become potential targets for scammers. From fake contests to phishing attempts, the risks are real, and education is the best defence. Talking to young people about online scams can empower them to recognise red flags and make safer choices in the digital world.

Why It’s Important to Start the Conversation

Children and teens often lack the experience to identify scams, making them vulnerable to manipulation. Scammers may exploit their curiosity, inexperience, or desire for free items or popularity. Teaching them about the dangers of online scams is critical to ensuring their safety and helping them develop lifelong digital literacy.

Start with the Basics

Begin by explaining what scams are and how they work. Use age-appropriate language and examples they can relate to, such as fake giveaways on social media or suspicious messages in online games. Clarify that scammers often try to trick people into giving up personal information, clicking harmful links, or sending money.

Emphasise the importance of skepticism online: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Encourage them to think critically and question anything that doesn’t feel right.

Teach Key Safety Principles

To protect children and teens from online scams, instill the following principles:

• Never Share Personal Information: Remind them not to share passwords, addresses, or other sensitive details with anyone online.
• Verify Sources: Teach them to check whether a message, link, or profile is genuine before interacting with it.
• Avoid Clicking Unknown Links: Highlight the dangers of clicking links from unfamiliar sources, which may lead to phishing sites or malware.
• Ask for Help: Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult if they encounter something suspicious or confusing.

Discuss Real-Life Scenarios

Real examples make the lessons more tangible. Share stories of common scams, like fake social media accounts pretending to be celebrities or fraudulent in-game purchases. Walk them through how to handle these situations, from ignoring messages to reporting suspicious activity.

Role-playing can also be effective. Present hypothetical scenarios where they need to decide how to respond to a scam attempt, helping them practice safe behaviours in a controlled setting.

Foster Open Communication

Creating a safe space for discussion is essential. Let children and teens know they can come to you without fear of judgment or punishment if they encounter a scam or make a mistake online. Scammers rely on secrecy and embarrassment to continue their schemes, so breaking this cycle is key.

Reinforce that it’s okay to ask questions or admit when they’re unsure about something online. Open communication builds trust and ensures they feel supported in navigating the digital world.

Conclusion

Talking to children and teens about online scams is an investment in their safety and confidence. By teaching them to recognise the signs of scams, make informed decisions, and seek help when needed, you empower them to thrive in an increasingly digital world. With guidance and open communication, young people can learn to protect themselves and others from online threats.