Summer break means more time for kids to relax, explore, and inevitably—spend more time online. Whether they’re gaming, chatting, or scrolling, this extra screen time makes summer a perfect opportunity to teach them something that’ll serve them for life: how to protect their digital privacy.
While the internet has become a vibrant part of kids’ social lives and education, it also exposes them to risks that can leave lasting scars—from identity theft to online extortion. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a tech expert to help your kids build strong digital habits. All it takes is a little time, a lot of dialogue, and a few smart actions.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
Kids today are growing up in a world where their digital footprint starts before they even understand what it means. A single photo, post, or shared location can be saved, altered, or weaponized in ways that affect their reputation, safety, and future opportunities.
It’s not just strangers to worry about. AI-powered scams, data harvesting from apps, and even well-meaning parents oversharing online are all part of the privacy puzzle. Without guidance, kids can unknowingly expose sensitive details—sometimes permanently.
That’s why now, with more time and less school stress, is an ideal time to start (or reinforce) good digital hygiene.
Actionable Tips to Keep Kids Safer Online
Here are a few easy, high-impact steps families can take this summer:
- Use webcam covers on all laptops and tablets to protect your privacy. These tiny sliders offer protection against unauthorized access—and peace of mind.
- Check privacy settings on all apps, games, and devices. Don’t assume factory defaults are safe.
- Limit public posting. Encourage kids to share only with close friends, and remind them that once something is online, it can be copied or reshared.
- Reassess your own “sharenting.” Ask before posting about your child. Use private accounts and consider who’s really viewing.
- Set Google Alerts for your child’s name or school—an early warning system for unexpected exposure.
- Talk through scenarios. What should they do if a stranger messages them? If a friend overshares a photo? Practicing responses builds confidence.
Don’t Just Filter—Teach
While parental controls and monitoring tools are helpful, they’re no substitute for actual conversations. Kids need to understand why privacy matters, not just what rules to follow.
Consider making it interactive. For example, pick a public profile together and see what personal info you can gather from it. This shows how easily online details add up—and why they should treat their own data like currency.
Also, emphasize respect: just as they want control over their image and information, so does everyone else. Privacy goes both ways.
What if Something Goes Wrong?
Mistakes happen. What matters most is creating an environment where your child feels safe speaking up. If something seems off—a strange message, a shared post, or a gut feeling—teach them to flag it. Problems caught early are easier to fix.
Final Thoughts
The internet isn’t going anywhere, and neither are the risks. But by using the slower pace of summer to build awareness, set boundaries, and have open conversations, you’re giving your kids a skill that will last far longer than the break itself: control over their digital lives.
LibertyID Identity Theft Solutions for Individuals, Couples, and Families* provides its subscribers with 360° fully managed identity fraud concierge restoration services. We are experts in resolving all common forms of identity fraud. Our subscribers can also enroll in our Proactive Detection, which monitors and sends alerts when their SSN, Address, Dark Web, criminal record, and credit reports change.
*LibertyID defines an extended family as you, your spouse/partner, your parents and parents-in-law, and your children under the age of 25.