Helping Your Child Stay Safe Online
The internet offers many opportunities to learn, play, shop and communicate. Unfortunately, it is also used by criminals who try to trick people into sharing personal information, passwords or money.
Children and young people are increasingly targeted by online scams through social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps, emails and even QR codes.
A QR code (Quick Response code) can quickly take someone to a website or online form. While most QR codes are genuine, some are created by criminals to direct people to fake websites that steal personal information or passwords.
By helping your child recognise the warning signs of scams and understand when to stop and think before clicking a link or scanning a QR code, you can reduce the risk of them becoming a victim of online fraud.
What Are Online Scams?
A scam is when someone deliberately tries to trick another person into giving away:
- money
- passwords
- personal information
- gaming accounts
- bank details
- access to online accounts
Scammers often pretend to be someone your child knows or trusts.
Their aim is usually to make people act quickly without thinking.
Common Scams Affecting Children and Young People
Your child may come across scams such as:
- fake competitions and giveaways
- “free” Robux, V-Bucks or gaming skins
- fake online shops
- phishing emails or text messages
- fake customer support accounts
- account recovery scams
- QR code scams
- messages asking them to verify their account
- fake job offers aimed at teenagers
The methods change regularly, but the warning signs are often the same.
Help Your Child Spot a Scam
Encourage your child to stop and think if something:
- seems too good to be true
- creates a sense of urgency
- asks for personal information
- asks them to click an unexpected link
- asks them to scan a QR code from an unknown or unexpected source
- promises easy money
- asks them to keep something secret
One simple question can prevent many scams:
“Does this seem believable?”
Protect Personal Information
Talk to your child about what counts as personal information.
This includes:
- full name
- home address
- school name
- telephone number
- email address
- passwords
- bank details
- photographs that reveal where they live or go to school
- live location
Remind your child that they should never share this information with someone they only know online.
Creating Strong Passwords
Passwords are one of the simplest ways to protect online accounts.
Encourage your child to:
- use different passwords for important accounts
- create passwords that are difficult to guess
- avoid using names or birthdays
- never share passwords with friends
- use two-step verification (2FA) whenever it is available
As children get older, helping them understand why password security matters becomes increasingly important.
Gaming Scams
Online games are popular places for scammers.
Children may be offered:
- free game items
- free virtual currency
- account upgrades
- cheats or hacks
- opportunities to buy rare items outside the game
Remind your child:
- never to share login details
- never to download unofficial software
- never to pay someone outside the official game
- to ask an adult if they are unsure
QR Code Scams
QR codes are now used in many places, including restaurants, car parks, posters, parcels, tickets, competitions and social media.
Most QR codes are genuine, but criminals sometimes use fake QR codes to send people to fraudulent websites.
These websites may:
- ask for personal information
- ask for passwords or login details
- request payment
- download harmful software onto a device
Encourage your child to:
- only scan QR codes from trusted sources
- be cautious if a QR code appears in an unexpected email, message or social media post
- check the website address after scanning before entering any information
- never enter passwords or bank details unless they are certain the website is genuine
- ask a trusted adult if they are unsure
A good rule to remember is:
Treat scanning a QR code in exactly the same way as clicking on a link. If you wouldn’t click the link, don’t scan the QR code.
Money Mule Recruitment
Older children and teenagers are increasingly targeted by criminals looking for “money mules”.
A money mule is someone who allows their bank account to be used to move money obtained through crime.
Criminals often advertise this as:
- “easy money”
- “quick cash”
- “work from your phone”
- “keep a percentage”
Many young people do not realise they are becoming involved in criminal activity.
Talk openly about this before your child reaches the age where they may open a bank account.
What Should I Do if My Child Has Been Scammed?
If you think your child has fallen victim to an online scam:
- stay calm
- reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you
- change passwords if necessary
- contact your bank if money has been taken
- report the account or website
- seek further advice if required
Avoid blaming your child. Scammers are skilled at manipulating people of all ages.
Remember
The best protection against scams is not knowing every trick—it is encouraging children to stop, think and ask for help before sharing information or sending money.
Open conversations, strong passwords and healthy scepticism are some of the most effective ways to help keep your child safe online.
Useful external links
National Cyber Security Centre – Top Tips for Staying Secure Online
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online
Simple advice on passwords, two-step verification, software updates and protecting online accounts.
National Cyber Security Centre – Cyber Aware
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home
Practical guidance on protecting devices and online accounts.
Take Five to Stop Fraud
https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/
Advice on recognising scams, phishing and fraud, with practical tips for families.
Action Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
The UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
Childnet – Parents and Carers
https://www.childnet.com/help-and-advice/parents-and-carers/
Guidance on privacy, online safety and supporting children to make safe choices online.