This article was written by Kayelene Kerr from eSafeKids.
In our increasingly connected world, children are growing up surrounded by technology and the internet. While this digital landscape offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges for parents aiming to ensure a safe and responsible online experience for their kids.
One topic that has gained attention in recent years is children using Virtual Private Networks (VPN). This blog will explore what a VPN is, why kids might use them and how parents can navigate this aspect of their child's online activities.
What is a VPN
Privacy and security have become paramount concerns for internet users. Whether you're browsing on public Wi-Fi, accessing sensitive information or simply trying to maintain your online privacy, a VPN can be a powerful tool.
A VPN, is designed to enhance online privacy and security. It achieves this by creating a secure and encrypted connection between the user's device and a server, masking the user's IP address and securing data transmission. Essentially, it acts as a private tunnel for your online activities.
Benefits of using a VPN
Enhanced Privacy and Security
One of the primary benefits of a VPN is enhanced privacy. By encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN prevents third parties, such as hackers, advertisers and even your Internet Service Provider (ISP), from tracking your online activities. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are more susceptible to security breaches. Note: Even with a VPN it is not advised to access sensitive personal information (Internet Banking, MyGov, entering passwords and credit card details etc) on a public free Wi-Fi.
Access to Restricted Content
A VPN allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked or restricted in your location. For example, you can use a VPN to access streaming services, websites and online content that are available in other countries but not in your own.
Safe Online Transactions
When making online transactions or entering sensitive information, a VPN provides an additional layer of security by encrypting your data. This makes it harder for malicious actors to intercept and steal your personal or financial information.
Avoiding Censorship
In countries with strict internet censorship, a VPN can help you access blocked websites and services. By routing your connection through servers in countries with fewer restrictions, you can bypass government-imposed internet filters and access the open web.
Targeted Advertising
A VPN makes it difficult for companies to:
View your internet usage
Track what sites you visit
See what you purchase
Know your geographical location
Because the VPN can hide some of your online activity it can reduce the amount of targeted advertising and marketing you see. You will still see ads but they'll be less likely to be specifically targeted at you.
Are VPNs free?
Some VPNs are free, but most charge a monthly fee. After you create an account on the VPN's own website, you will usually download an app to your device. When you open the app and sign in it will run in the background and ensure your internet data is sent and received via the VPN.
When choosing a paid VPN do your research and choose a service that is right for you. One of the features of a paid VPN is the promise that the sites you visit will not be recorded and tracked. They usually don't sell your data to a third party, eg. advertising.
If you're going to use a VPN, always read the terms of service.
As with any technology, it's important to choose a reputable VPN provider and understand how to use the service effectively.
Why do children use VPN's
While VPNs are commonly used by adults for privacy and security, children are also turning to these tools. Children may use them to bypass parental controls and restrictions. This can make it challenging to monitor and manage children's online activities and keep them safe.
Detecting VPN usage by a child can be challenging, but you can look for signs such as:
If you notice that your child is accessing websites, streaming services, or online games that are normally restricted or blocked by your parental controls, a VPN might be involved.
VPN usage can sometimes cause changes in device behaviour, such as slower internet speeds, frequent disconnections or unexpected changes in IP addresses.
VPN services typically have dedicated apps for devices. If you find unfamiliar apps or software that have VPN-related names or icons, this could indicate VPN usage. Review the list of installed applications on your child’s device. Look for apps with names like “VPN,” “Private Network,” or similar terms.
A change in online behaviour, such as increased secrecy, sudden changes in browsing habits or new patterns of online activity, might suggest that your child is using a VPN to bypass controls.
On most devices you can view active network connections and installed apps. Check the network settings and installed apps on your child’s device. Look for any VPN-related configurations or applications.
Some network monitoring tools can detect encrypted traffic, which is a common feature of VPNs. These tools analyse traffic patterns to identify the use of VPN protocols.
My child is using a VPN, now what?
Detecting whether your child is using a VPN involves observing signs of unusual behaviour, inspecting device settings and using network monitoring tools. By staying vigilant and maintaining open communication, you can manage and monitor your child’s online activities more effectively.
Discovering that your child is using a VPN can raise concerns about online safety, content exposure and responsible internet use. Addressing this issue requires a balance between supervision and open communication.
Have open and honest conversations with your child about why parental controls are in place and the importance of online safety. Explain the potential risks of bypassing these controls.
A final thought
Ultimately, the key to addressing children and VPNs is maintaining open lines of communication. Understand your child's perspective, listen to their concerns and work together to establish safe and responsible use that aligns with your family values and rules, restrictions and boundaries.
To learn more about eSafeKids workshops and training visit our services page.
To view our wide range of child friendly resources visit our online shop.
Join the free eSafeKids online Members' Community. It has been created to support and inspire you in your home, school, organisation and/or community setting.
About The Author
Kayelene Kerr is recognised as one of Western Australia’s most experienced specialist providers of Protective Behaviours, Body Safety, Cyber Safety, Digital Wellness and Pornography education workshops. Kayelene is passionate about the prevention of child abuse and sexual exploitation, drawing on over 27 years’ experience of study and law enforcement, investigating sexual crimes, including technology facilitated crimes. Kayelene delivers engaging and sought after prevention education workshops to educate, equip and empower children and young people, and to help support parents, carers, educators and other professionals. Kayelene believes protecting children from harm is a shared responsibility and everyone can play a role in the care, safety and protection of children. Kayelene aims to inspire the trusted adults in children’s lives to tackle sometimes challenging topics.
About eSafeKids
eSafeKids strives to reduce and prevent harm through proactive prevention education, supporting and inspiring parents, carers, educators and other professionals to talk with children, young people and vulnerable adults about protective behaviours, body safety, cyber safety, digital wellness and pornography. eSafeKids is based in Perth, Western Australia.
eSafeKids provides books and resources to teach children about social and emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, gender equality, consent, body safety, protective behaviours, cyber safety, digital wellness, media literacy, puberty and pornography.
eSafeKids books can support educators teaching protective behaviours and child abuse prevention education that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework: National Quality Standards (NQS).
Comments