Teaching Children About Online Scams
Simple, age-appropriate rules and activities to teach children about online scams, from young children using tablets to pre-teens on games and social media.
Children learn to swipe before they learn to read, and many are online long before they understand that not everything and everyone there is what it seems. Teaching them about scams does not need to be frightening. With simple rules for their age and a few playful activities, children can learn to spot tricks and, most importantly, to come to you.
Ages 4 to 7: the "ask first" rule
- Ask a grown-up before clicking, buying, downloading or chatting.
- Pop-ups and prizes are tricks. "If a screen says you won something, come and show me."
- Our secrets stay in the family: names, school, address and passwords are not shared online.
Activity: show them a pretend "You won a prize!" pop-up on paper and ask what they would do. Praise "I'd ask you".
Ages 8 to 12: spotting tricks
- Free stuff usually costs something. Free game currency, skins or gifts often lead to stolen accounts.
- Passwords are never shared, even with best friends.
- People online may not be who they say. A "kid" in a game might be an adult.
- Only log in through the real app, never through a link someone sends.
- If something feels weird or scary, tell a grown-up. You will not be in trouble.
Activity: "Spot the trick". Show a few example messages, some genuine and some scams, and let them find the red flags: urgency, prizes, requests for passwords.
The most important message: "You can always tell me, and you won't be in trouble." Children who fear losing their device often hide problems.
Settings that support the lessons
- Purchase approvals and spending limits in app stores and games.
- Child accounts with age-appropriate settings.
- Private profiles and limited chat in games.
- Devices used in shared family spaces for younger children.
Keep the conversation going
- Ask about their favourite games and apps, and play together sometimes.
- Share scams you see yourself: "Look at this silly message I got."
- Praise them whenever they check with you.
- Update the rules as they grow. For older children, see teenagers and online scams.
- Free stuff that seems too good.
- A request for a password.
- A deadline to rush you.
Check together. For older children, CyberWatch AI Scan is a quick, free way to check a suspicious message with them.
For the adults in the family, read our guide on how to avoid online scams.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should I talk to children about scams?
As soon as they use devices on their own. Start with very simple rules for young children and add detail as they grow and start using games, messaging and social media.
What is the most important rule for young children?
Always ask a grown-up before clicking, buying, downloading or talking to someone you do not know online.
How can I make it fun rather than scary?
Turn it into a game: 'spot the trick' with example messages, role-play, and praise for catching red flags.
Sources
- Protecting Your Child's Privacy Online, US Federal Trade Commission
- Kids and Video Games, US Federal Trade Commission
- CEOP Safety Centre, National Crime Agency (UK)
