5 Reasons Why the Internet Can Be Risky for Children and Teens (and What You Can Do About It)

...the internet can be risky for kids and teens..

Are you a parent with a child or teen eager to explore the internet—or maybe already using it? If so, you're likely weighing the benefits with the risks. While the internet is a fantastic tool for research and learning, it’s also a space where young users can encounter challenges or even dangers. It’s important to understand these risks so you can better protect your child online.

Here are five key reasons why the internet can be risky for kids and teens—and how you can step in to help keep them safe.

1. False Identities Are Easy to Create

Making friends online might seem harmless, but it’s a different experience compared to real-life interactions. Why? Because it’s impossible to verify who’s really behind the screen. Anyone can pretend to be someone else. For example, on social networking sites, users can lie about their age or other details. Your child could unknowingly interact with someone who isn’t who they claim to be.

What you can do: Teach your child to be cautious about sharing personal information and to avoid engaging with strangers online. Set clear rules about who they can connect with digitally.

2. Internet Predators Exist

Sadly, some people use the anonymity of the internet to take advantage of children and teens. These predators often pretend to be someone trustworthy, like a peer, to build relationships. Many parents and teens don’t recognize the danger until it’s too late—when these individuals try to meet children in person or gain access to sensitive information.

What you can do: Have open conversations with your child about the warning signs of inappropriate behaviour online. Encourage them to come to you if something doesn’t feel right.

3. Access to Inappropriate Content Is Easy

One of the great things about the internet is the sheer variety of information available. However, this also means children can stumble across inappropriate content, such as adult websites, violent material, or unsafe chat rooms, even by accident. Without proper filters, your child’s internet search could lead them to unsuitable places.

What you can do: Set up parental controls on all devices and monitor search histories. Consider using kid-friendly browsers or search engines designed to filter out harmful content.

4. Privacy Is Hard to Protect

Many young people (and even adults) don’t fully understand how public their online activity can be. For instance, a public profile on a social networking site like Instagram or TikTok can be viewed by anyone. Conversations on forums and message boards can also be indexed by search engines, meaning personal details shared online might stay visible for years.

What you can do: Teach your child about privacy settings and encourage them to keep profiles private. Remind them to think twice before sharing photos, personal details, or posts that could harm their reputation down the line.

5. Kids Are Often in Control Online

When your child uses the internet, they hold the reins—and while this can be a good thing for building independence, it also comes with risks. Even if you’ve laid out rules about internet use, they might not always follow them. They could communicate with strangers, share photos, or visit unsafe sites.

What you can do: Maintain an active role in your child’s online activities. Use parental controls, check in regularly, and create a judgment-free environment so your child feels comfortable discussing what they’re doing online.

Final Tip:

The internet isn’t inherently bad—it’s an incredible resource! But as a parent, it’s your job to help your child navigate it safely. Stay involved, set boundaries, and encourage open communication. Together, you can make their online experience both positive and secure.