Kids & the Web: Top Threats Kids Face Online in 2026

We have all been there. Something pops up on your phone or computer that you never wanted to see. It is an unfortunate fact of being online today. However, keeping our kids safe online matters more now than ever. The top threats kids face online today:

Identity Theft

Personal data collection is a multi-billion dollar business. While this is typically considered an adult issue, children are clean slates, making them perfect targets for identity theft. Without knowing what to avoid, your kids could give their important information to bad actors who could damage their credit long before they're able to open their own bank account.

According to tech expert James Wilson, founder of MyDataRemoval: "One threat to kids' online safety in 2026 is identity theft due to personal data collection. Whenever kids go online, take quizzes, visit gaming websites, and so on, their data is being collected, which fraudsters can use. Some of these sites are not secure or even legitimate because scammers can easily create malicious websites. Another threat is AI-powered scams. Scammers are now using tools like deepfakes to clone people's faces to trick their victims. They can clone your kids' friends and then ask them for information or money."

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is any aggressive, threatening, or mean-spirited activity conducted via electronic communication, including email, social media posts, and text messages. More than half of kids ages 12–17 have been cyberbullied at some point in their life, and nearly 15% have been the bully to someone else online. Girls are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying, while more boys admit to bullying others online. Editing images of peers with AI is becoming a common way for teens to bully online.

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

Inappropriate content is one of the most common online threats that kids encounter, particularly on social media. Everything from vulgar language, hate speech, and suicidal ideation to graphically violent content or sexual images can have a harmful effect on an impressionable child. Over 55% of tweens (ages 10–12) have been exposed to violent content on the internet, and nearly 60% have come across sexually explicit words or images.

Online Predators

Adults who use the internet to entice children for sexual or other types of abusive exploitation are considered online predators. Child victims can be as young as one or as old as 17. When it comes to online enticement, girls make up the majority (78%) of child victims, while the majority (82%) of online predators are male. Predators may use AI deepfakes to pretend to be a child, or AI-powered algorithms to target, manipulate, and exploit young people. 98% of online predators have never met their child targets in real life.

Advice for Parents: Internet Safety Tips for Children of All Ages

Three of the most important things you can do to keep your kids safe on the internet are:

• Build a trusting relationship with them so they're not afraid to discuss things that happen online with you
• Prioritize open communication and regularly talk with them about the latest online threats and their dangers
• Set clear boundaries around device use and find ways to view age-appropriate online content together

Internet Safety Tips for Elementary Students (Ages 6–11)

• Use only apps and platforms with verified parental controls and strong reputations
• Supervise internet access and teach basic online safety rules, like not clicking on unknown links or accepting friend requests from strangers
• Use parental controls to filter content and only allow access to vetted websites and apps
• Keep devices in shared spaces and teach kids about "safe strangers" online
• Start conversations early about digital footprints, encouraging them to be cautious about sharing personal information and pictures online

Internet Safety Tips for Middle School Students (Ages 12–14)

• Teach them how to recognize red flags, like too-good-to-be-true friendships and pressure to keep secrets
• Engage in deeper discussions about critical thinking and social dynamics like cyberbullying, peer pressure, and misinformation
• Encourage critical thinking by asking, "Why do you think this post or person is trustworthy?"
• Limit your child's social media use until they're mature enough to understand the implications, and use monitoring tools that can flag potentially harmful messages
• Set clear boundaries for social media use, but avoid outright bans, as this can lead to secrecy

Internet Safety Tips for High School Students (Ages 15–18)

• Keep the conversation open. At this age, it's not enough to simply block content; instead, explain why things are risky and how they can protect themselves
• High schoolers benefit from developing resilience, understanding their online reputation, and striking a balance between online and offline life
• Teens need autonomy, but parents should stay informed about their apps and groups, discussing digital footprints, sexting risks, and how algorithms can manipulate emotions
• Encourage breaks to promote positive mental health

The internet can be a tricky place to navigate, but using tips & strategies can help keep your child safe! Find more at https://www.safewise.com/kids-safety/learn/internet-guide/