Online Safety for Kids: Protecting Devices, Games, and Accounts
From tablets and gaming systems to school laptops and family phones, kids often use multiple devices throughout the week. Each device can open the door to games, apps, websites, messages, and purchases, making online safety an important part of everyday family routines.
Mid Carolina Credit Union encourages families to take a proactive approach by setting clear expectations, reviewing privacy settings, and helping children understand how online choices can affect personal and financial information.
Set Rules Before Kids Go Online
Before children use a new device, app, game, or website, talk through the rules together. Kids should know what they are allowed to use, what requires permission, and what to do if they see something confusing or suspicious.
Family rules may include:
Asking before downloading apps or games
Checking with an adult before making purchases
Not accepting friend requests from people they do not know
Telling an adult about strange messages or pop-ups
Keeping passwords private
Review In-App Purchases and Game Settings
Many games and apps include optional purchases, subscriptions, upgrades, or links to outside websites. Children may not always realize when they are spending real money or sharing information connected to an account.
Parents and guardians can help by reviewing purchase settings, turning on password requirements, and checking whether a card or payment method is saved on a device.
Use Privacy and Parental Controls
When possible, help children set accounts to private and review who can see their profiles, posts, photos, or activity. Parents and guardians can also use parental controls, app permissions, and purchase settings where available to help limit access, manage screen time, and reduce accidental purchases.
Watch for Red Flags
Kids should be reminded to slow down if something online feels urgent, exciting, or too good to be true. Scammers may use fake prizes, free game credits, limited-time offers, or messages that ask for personal information.
Common red flags include:
Requests for passwords or account details
Messages offering free money, prizes, or game credits
Pop-ups that say a device has a virus
Links from people the child does not know
Charges or subscriptions that look unfamiliar
Keep Devices Updated
Software updates can help protect devices from security issues. Make it a habit to update phones, tablets, computers, apps, and games when updates are available.
It is also helpful to use screen locks, keep devices in safe places, and avoid connecting to unfamiliar public Wi-Fi when entering private information.
Know What to Do Next
If your child makes an accidental purchase, clicks a suspicious link, or shares private information, respond quickly. Change passwords, review account activity, remove saved payment information when needed, and contact the company or financial institution connected to the account.
The goal is not to scare kids away from technology. It is to help them build smart habits, ask questions, and feel comfortable telling a trusted adult when something does not seem right.
For more fraud prevention tips and online safety resources, visit our fraud prevention page.