Safer Internet Day 2025: How to Protect Children from Online Scams

Safer Internet Day (SID) 2025

As we approach Safer Internet Day (SID) 2025, the focus is on a critical issue affecting our digital landscape: online scams targeting children and teenagers. This year's theme, "Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online," highlights the growing concern over fraudulent activities in the digital realm1.

To learn more about how to protect yourself and your family, keep reading. 
You’ll find in-depth tips for all age groups, information about how AI is used in scams, and the best tools 
and resources to help you stay safe. This information is based on my experience as a digital parenting 
expert and author of "Keeping Families Safe on Social Media."

In an era where children are increasingly connected, the importance of digital literacy, online safety, and scam awareness cannot be overstated. With the rapid advancement of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), scammers are finding new and sophisticated ways to target vulnerable young users. However, AI is also being leveraged to combat these threats, creating a complex landscape of digital security.

Understanding Online Scams Targeting Children

Online scams are deceptive practices designed to trick individuals into revealing personal information or financial details. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their trusting nature and limited experience with digital fraud. Scammers often use social engineering tactics, exploiting emotions and creating a false sense of urgency to manipulate young users.

Common Online Scams in 2025

1. Phishing Scams: These involve fake emails, messages, or pop-ups that appear to be from legitimate sources7.
2. Gaming Scams: Fraudulent in-game currency sales and fake "free" rewards are prevalent in online gaming communities.
3. Influencer Scams: Fake giveaways and counterfeit sponsorships exploit children's trust in social media personalities.
4. Social Media Scams: These include fake followers, hacked accounts, and scam job offers targeting teens3.
5. Deepfake and AI Scams: Advanced technology is used to create convincing fake videos impersonating trusted figures.
6. Identity Theft: Scammers collect personal data from kids through various online interactions3.

Real-life examples of children falling victim to these scams underscore the urgent need for education and prevention strategies.

Teaching Kids About Online Safety and Scam Awareness

Educating children about online safety is crucial, and strategies should be tailored to different age groups:

Ages 3-7

• Focus on simple digital safety stories
• Teach the concept of "stranger danger" online

Ages 7-11

• Introduce techniques for recognizing fake links
• Explain the importance of secure websites1

Ages 11-14

• Discuss how social media scams work
• Raise awareness about influencer fraud3

Ages 14-18

• Teach methods for spotting deepfake scams
• Emphasize the importance of protecting personal data online3

Interactive learning methods can make scam awareness more engaging:

• Educational games and cybersecurity challenges
• Classroom activities focused on digital literacy
• Creating family online safety contracts

The Role of Social Media and AI in Online Scams

Artificial intelligence has become a double-edged sword in the world of online scams. Scammers use AI to create sophisticated fraud schemes, including:

• AI-generated fake profiles and phishing emails
• Deepfake technology for identity fraud
• Scam chatbots that mimic legitimate customer service

Social media platforms are prime targets for scammers, with tactics such as:

• Fake brand sponsorships targeting teens
• Phishing direct messages from impersonated accounts
• Scam giveaways and fraudulent crowdfunding requests

However, AI is also being used to combat these threats:

• AI-driven scam detection tools in cybersecurity software
• AI-powered fraud prevention by financial institutions and digital platforms
• Innovative "granny bots" designed to waste scammers' time and resources

Tools and Resources for Parents, Educators, and Kids

To combat online scams, a variety of resources are available:

• Government-supported platforms like the UK Safer Internet Centre1
• Cybersecurity organizations offering free scam awareness lessons
• Interactive games and apps that teach scam detection skills

Parental control apps are essential tools for online safety. Look for features such as social media monitoring, scam detection alerts, and website filtering.Schools can integrate scam awareness into their curriculum through:

• Digital literacy programs and online safety workshops
• Collaboration with cybersecurity experts for real-world simulations

Financial Scams and Gaming Fraud

Gaming platforms are often exploited by scammers through:

• Fake in-game currency sales
• Scam links offering free virtual items

To protect children from online theft:

• Teach them never to share credit card details or personal information online
• Educate them on recognizing secure payment methods and trusted vendors

If a child falls victim to a scam:

• Report the fraud to relevant authorities and platforms
• Take steps to recover lost money or hacked accounts
• Understand the legal protections available for minors affected by scams

Legal and Cybersecurity Measures

Governments are taking action against online scams targeting children through new laws and stricter regulations for digital platforms6. Cybersecurity firms are developing AI-powered fraud detection tools and collaborating globally with law enforcement to combat these threats.

Action Steps for Safer Internet Day 2025

Families can participate in Safer Internet Day by:

• Hosting discussions about scams with children
• Engaging in interactive workshops and school activities

Educators can improve digital literacy by:

• Implementing scam awareness lessons
• Inviting cybersecurity experts for classroom talks

Creating a family online safety action plan should include:

• Setting clear digital boundaries
• Regularly checking for scam alerts and fraud reports

In conclusion, as we navigate an increasingly digital world, continuous education on internet safety, financial security, and AI fraud prevention is essential. This article was written by Lydia Agbobidi, author of "Keeping Families Safe on Social Media: A Digital Parenting Guide to Protecting Neurotypical and Neurodiverse Children Online," which provides actionable advice for families in today's connected world. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to protect children from the ever-evolving landscape of online scams. By staying informed and vigilant, we can create a safer internet for future generations.