Kids and phishing: how do you teach them to spot fake messages?
Summary: how to teach children to recognise fake messages
Children are at greater risk of falling for phishing scams because they have less experience with online communication. Parents can protect them by explaining the signs of fake messages, practising together with examples, and setting clear rules – such as always checking first before entering any details or logging in via a link. Parental controls and regular conversations help keep them alert. If something does go wrong, quick action and a good security package are essential to limit the damage.
Children are getting access to smartphones, tablets, and computers at an increasingly young age. They chat, play games, and use social media – often without being aware of online risks. One of the most common dangers is phishing: messages that appear to come from a familiar sender but are actually designed to steal personal data or money. As a parent, there’s a lot you can do to help your child recognise these fake messages.
What exactly is phishing?
Phishing is a form of fraud in which criminals pretend to be a trusted party, such as a bank, school, gaming platform, or popular online shop. It can happen via email, chat messages, text messages, or even in games. The goal is to trick someone into clicking a link or entering information, such as passwords or payment details.
For children, this is especially difficult to spot because they have less experience with online communication and are often quick to trust others.
Want to learn more? Read our detailed blog what is phishing? for more information.
Signs to teach children
Explain in simple terms what they should look out for. Use examples that fit their world:
- Unexpected requests for information
Explain that a bank or gaming platform will never randomly ask for passwords via a message. - Strange or incorrect spelling
Fake messages often contain spelling mistakes or odd sentence structures. - Pressure to respond quickly
A fake message may say something must be done “immediately”. This is a trick to get children (and adults) to act without thinking. - Suspicious links
Show them how to hover over a link (or long-press on mobile) to see which website it really leads to.
Practise together with examples
Children learn best by practising. Look together for examples of phishing messages (safe examples are available on bank websites or the Fraud Helpdesk) and discuss why they are fake. Turn it into a quiz: “Real or fake?” This makes it both fun and educational.
Set clear rules
Agree with your child that they always come to you first if a message, app, or email asks for personal information or to log in via a link. Explain that this doesn’t mean they’ve done anything wrong – it’s a smart way to prevent problems. This way, they know exactly what to do if they’re unsure.
Use parental controls
Many security packages offer parental control features. These allow you to block suspicious websites, receive alerts for risky behaviour, and monitor your child’s internet use. At Antivirus.eu, our experts can help you choose a package that suits your family, or you can view the top 3 best antivirus for families.
Keep the conversation going
One-off explanations are not enough. Online platforms change quickly, and phishing methods are getting smarter. Regularly talk with your child about their online experiences. Encourage them to check with you first whenever they are unsure about a link or request for personal information.
What to do if something goes wrong?
Has your child clicked on a fake message or entered details?
- Change the password immediately for the affected account.
- Report the incident to the relevant service (such as the bank or game provider).
- Scan devices for malware with an up-to-date security package.
This way, you limit the damage and turn it into a learning moment.
