A modern-day problem.

In just a few short years, the use of mobile devices by children has changed dramatically.
What was once an optional accessory is now a daily essential, a tool for connecting with friends, playing video games, and scrolling on social media.
According to recent reports, over half of children own a mobile device before the age of 4.
The question is no longer if children should use mobile devices, but how.

 

Cybercriminals Are Targeting Kids

Children are naturally curious and trusting beings. Their innocence and limited understanding of online risks make them uniquely vulnerable in today’s digital landscape.
They may click suspicious links, accept friend requests from strangers, or overshare personal information without thinking twice.
But what are cybercriminals after when they target children?

 

The Digital Wallet Problem

Many apps for children are advertised as free, but they’re designed to make money through in-app purchases.
With in-app purchases now normalized, kids often have access to digital wallets or stored credit cards from a young age. A few taps can quickly turn into hundreds of dollars spent. Sometimes in minutes.
But the problem isn’t just financial. It’s also a data security risk. Children’s accounts are rarely protected with the same rigor as adult ones.
And that makes them easy targets.
In the Cybernews – KidSecurity Data Leak, sensitive data from over a million users, most of them children, was left exposed. Full names, GPS locations, and activity logs were among the data found on unsecured servers.
Breaches like these don’t just risk a few unauthorized purchases, they can threaten personal safety.
Children often don’t even realize their information has been exposed until long after the damage is done. And in many cases, parents remain completely unaware.
When a child’s device is compromised, it can open the door to much more than just their personal data. Hackers can gain access to sensitive family information, financial details, and even home networks.
While regulations like COPPA in the U.S. and GDPR-K in Europe aim to give parents more control over what data their children share, the truth is that many parents still don’t know how to protect their kids, or even what to look out for.
And that points to a deeper issue.
While cybersecurity awareness has become a top priority in the business world, our education systems are struggling to keep pace.
Schools aren’t doing nearly enough to help children navigate the internet safely.

 

Making the classroom the first line of cyber defense

So why isn’t cybersecurity already a core part of school education?
For many schools, the barriers come down to a lack of resources, time, and trained staff. Teachers are already stretched thin, and cybersecurity can feel too technical or outside the scope of traditional curricula.
 Some schools simply don’t know where to start.
But we also need to be honest.
The responsibility shouldn’t be placed on the teachers. Schools and education systems have a deeper role to play. If we want to prepare young people for the world they’re growing up in, digital safety can’t be treated as optional or extra.
It has to be built into the way we educate, from leadership priorities to classroom practice.
When schools invest in teaching kids how to stay safe online, they’re protecting their wellbeing, their confidence, and their futures. They’re helping raise a generation that can navigate digital spaces with awareness and integrity.
A nation’s solid cyber defense starts in the classroom.
Kids who understand how to spot scams, protect their personal information, and think critically about what they see online are far less likely to fall for a digital threat.
It’s not just about individual safety; it’s about building a culture of awareness, resilience, and accountability online.
Schools are in a powerful position to shape that culture, but they can be doing more. And while schools work to catch up, parents can help to play their part.

 

The first steps to protecting children online

We know it’s not easy keeping up with everything kids face online. And with children spending more time online, both at home and at school, the responsibility to keep them safe can feel heavy.
So, we thought we’d try to make life online a little lighter.
Here are some practical steps to help keep kids safe in today’s digital world.

5 Tips to Help Keep Children Safe Online

1. Cybersecurity is a foundational skill – Just like reading or math, understanding how to stay safe online is an essential life skill.
2. Early education creates lifelong habits – The earlier we start teaching digital safety, the more instinctive those behaviors become, helping kids protect themselves now and in the future.
3. Digital safety is emotional safety – Teaching cybersecurity isn’t just technical, it’s about helping kids feel confident, secure, and capable in the digital spaces they spend so much time in.
4. Think Empowerment, not fear – Cyber education should never feel like a list of warnings. It’s about giving kids the knowledge and confidence to explore safely and independently.
5. A culture of care starts with awareness – Whether at home or in the classroom, modeling thoughtful online behavior helps create a more resilient, respectful digital generation.

This article was written by Cywareness, a company specializing in cybersecurity awareness.
As part of its mission, Cywareness continues to monitor emerging trends, analyze real-world attacks, and share practical insights to help organizations stay ahead in today’s evolving threat landscape.