Is VPN Safe for Kids? What Parents Should Know

Is VPN Safe for Kids?

VPN can be safe when used with the necessary precautions. However, your kids might not apply these precautions when using VPNs. So, it's helpful to ensure their cybersecurity by educating them on the hazards of VPNs, the right VPNs to use, or employing safe parental control app when necessary. In this article, we'll tell you everything you should know about VPNs as a parent.

How Does VPN Work

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) works like an intermediary between you and the internet. When you try connecting to the internet, the VPN routes your data to its server and masks your IP address on the network. Afterward, the VPN connects to the internet on your behalf.

What Makes VPN Safe?

If you're wondering how safe a VPN is for kids, it depends on the VPN and the features it offers. Here are some essential features for good VPN security:

✔ Secure Encryption

VPN accomplishes encryption by turning your original data into an incomprehensible and coded format using a technique known as encryption. Generally, a VPN with an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a 256-bit key is a good choice.

✔ No-logs Policy

This means the VPN service provider doesn't keep records of your online activities, including your browsing history and IP address. This provides you with anonymity and online privacy.

✔ Kill Switch

If your VPN malfunctions, the kill switch feature disconnects your device from the internet. This ensures that your IP address and other information remain protected during the glitch period.

Risks Associated with VPNs

Getting the above features in a VPN is extremely important to avoid exposing your children to these risks:

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

The internet hosts a wide range of unsuitable content for kids. With a VPN, kids can bypass parental control tools and restricted websites. This can give them easy access to unsuitable content involving violence and pornography.

Privacy Leakage

The best VPN service providers offer a zero-log policy, guaranteeing privacy and anonymity. However, children often opt for free and cheap VPN service providers that usually compromise their users' privacy.

Some of them store sensitive information about their users and, sometimes, sell it to companies that need it. The implication of such activities threatens not just your kids but you as the parent.

Malware and Viruses

Your child may expose their devices to malware infections when installing suspect VPN software or watching and downloading online content. This may jeopardize the security of household networks and gadgets.

Cyber Predators

Cyber predators prowl on websites, gaming platforms, and social media, stalking kids. When kids use VPNs and bypass your existing security, they may expose themselves to these predators. These predators may lure them into sharing private information or other inappropriate activities.

Why Kids Use VPN and How Do You Know

Children are growing more intelligent and tech-savvy. As such, many children and teenagers seek to assert internet independence and mask their browsing history using VPNs. Other reasons kids use VPNs include:

• Getting around school restrictions
• Bypassing parental controls
• Accessing restricted content

After knowing why your little ones use VPN, how do you determine whether they use a VPN on their devices? The simplest way is to use the search box and type in "VPN." This immediately displays any apps that they may be using.

Alternatively, you could look for the VPN icon. On an iPhone, the letters "VPN" display in the upper left corner, near the cell signal. On an Android device, you can easily swipe down on the home screen, which reveals a notification indicating a VPN is operating.

Tips to Improve Security If Your Child is Using a VPN

Sometimes, using a VPN is unavoidable. So, you still worry, is using a VPN safe? If your child must use a VPN, here are some tips to help improve their online security:

Choose a Reputable VPN Service

Since there are hundreds of VPNs, knowing which to use is challenging. One trick is to avoid free VPNs. Most times, free VPNs are an excuse to harvest your data for sale, and you don't want that happening to your child.

You should prioritize VPNs with large servers, a 256-bit encryption protocol, a zero-logging policy, operational customer support service, and accessibility across multiple devices.

Apply Anti-Virus Programs

While a VPN will help hide your IP address and give you online anonymity, it won't protect your existing files from a virus. You can download an anti-virus program to safeguard your files. It provides a defensive wall against ransomware, viruses, and other malicious software.

Discuss Internet Security With Your Kids

Although a VPN offers protection, it's crucial to teach your kids about internet security and how to behave responsibly online. Inform them about privacy and how to keep their sensitive information safe, especially from cyber predators. It would help if you also educated them on cybersecurity etiquette, creating good passwords, and identifying harmful or suspicious websites.