Even if you have put safety measures on your gadgets, your tech-savvy child still outsmarts you. That is because they have grown up in a world where using the internet and social media is natural. Effortlessly, they can get around a simple ad-blocker, use advanced tools like fake apps and VPN, minimise a window when you come into the room, or wipe their browsing history clean.
Keeping children safe online is a never-ending challenge for many parents. Even though you may do everything right – using safety tools, watching their devices, and talking openly – children still manage to hide their online actions.
Parents may feel overwhelmed with the abundance of technology resources available to their children, and may not know where to start. However, there is no need to worry. You can educate yourself on the current approaches being employed, as well as ways to safeguard your child’s privacy without infringing on their autonomy.
Teenagers and Children Confess Hiding Their Online Activities From Parents
As per a study conducted by CNN Business, an alarming 70% of children and teenagers reportedly hide their internet activities from their parents.
These include clearing browser history (53%), concealing or deleting instant messages or videos (34%), utilizing Internet-enabled mobile devices (21%), employing privacy settings to limit content visibility to friends only (20%), and using private browsing modes (20%).
The fact that so many adolescents are hiding their online activities from their parents raises concerns about whether parents are implementing adequate safety measures.
In what ways do children and teens utilize technology to conceal their online actions?
Fortunately, by comprehending the mechanics of these parental controls, you can prevent your children from getting around them.
- DNS Programs
A crucial element of the internet is the Domain Name System (DNS), which functions as a type of phonebook, containing all domain-related information, including IP addresses. With a quick search, anyone can obtain the IP address of any website. To filter which sites can be accessed on their home network, many parents use programs that allow them to control access. However, teenagers and children can get around these protections by using public DNS servers or installing their router. This is a concerning issue, since it can expose children to inappropriate content and put them at risk of encountering cyber predators.
To safeguard against teenagers getting around parental controls via DNS programs, it is essential to ensure that passwords are strong and secure. Monitoring the DNS program reports regularly can also provide insights into any discrepancies between a child’s online activities and the program’s recorded activities. For instance, if a teenager frequently visits Instagram, but there is no record of this on the DNS program, it may indicate that they have circumvented the program’s protection.
- Proxy Sites
A proxy site is a technique used to mask an individual’s IP address from the websites they visit.
Proxy sites operate similarly to most search engines and are user-friendly. In instances where a teenager is restricted from accessing certain websites, they may resort to using a proxy site to bypass the restrictions. Proxy sites work by allowing users to enter the website address into a search bar, which redirects the request to an external server, masking the user’s IP address from the website. As a result, the teen can view the site without leaving any trace of the visit.
While filters or parental controls can be effective at blocking access to specific websites, they may not be able to detect when a child uses a proxy site to go past the restrictions. This is because proxy sites route the request through an external server, masking the website address from the filter or parental control. However, the use of proxy sites can be detected if parents look out for websites with “proxy” in the URL, as many filters will automatically block these sites.
It is important to note that proxy sites not only enable children to access restricted content but may also pose a threat to the security of your computer. A great number of these sites contain malware or malicious advertising. It is crucial to be aware of these proxies to safeguard both your devices and your children.
- VPNs
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a powerful tool that can redirect all of your network traffic through an external server, similar to a proxy site. However, the difference lies in the fact that a VPN can encrypt all of your network traffic, not just web traffic. This added layer of security can make it difficult for parents to monitor their children’s online activity and ensure their safety. By means of a VPN, children can encrypt their internet activity, making it more challenging for parents to track their online behavior.
It can be difficult to identify if your teenager is using a VPN, as it does not display a new IP address on your router and their internet service provider won’t have access to their browsing history. This makes it challenging to monitor which websites they have accessed. However, there are ways to determine if your child is using a VPN. One of the methods is to ask your child if they have any knowledge about VPN functionality. If they do, it could be an indication that they are bypassing your security measures. Another approach is to look for any signs of VPN usage. A poorly configured VPN can lead to a VPN leak, which can reveal that a VPN has been used. Additionally, checking your billing statement can help you identify if your child has purchased a paid VPN service.
- Private Browsing Mode
Private browsing modes, such as InPrivate or Incognito, provide internet users with the ability to browse the web without leaving a trace of their browsing history. Unfortunately, teenagers often use these modes to access inappropriate websites without being detected.
While using private browsing mode, the safety features and parental settings implemented by the user will remain active. This means that even though the browsing history will not be saved, restricted websites will still remain inaccessible. What is more, private browsing is not as secure as one might believe. Browser add-ons and plugins may still collect information. Parental control software can monitor and track your online activities.
- Public WiFi
Teenagers are adept at discovering WiFi connections. Children have the option of logging into public WiFi networks or using a friend’s or neighbor’s network to access the internet. However, these alternative networks may not have the same level of security protocols as the one implemented in your home, which could allow children to access websites without any restrictions.
While it is true that teenagers can use alternative networks to access websites without restrictions, it is important to note that this method does not guarantee the concealment of their online activities. Even if they delete their browsing history, there are ways to retrieve the data, such as performing a system restore or examining cookies. Therefore, erasing browsing history alone does not ensure that their online activities remain private.
- MAC Spoofing Apps
A MAC (media access control) address is an exclusive identifier that is embedded in a device’s network interface controller during the manufacturing process. It is used to recognize the device on a network. Adolescents use apps such as WiFiSpoof and Change my MAC to camouflage their device’s MAC address to avoid detection by their home or school networks. This enables them to bypass the network’s safety filters and gain access to unrestricted online content while avoiding detection.
What are the risks?
Children may argue that using deception and decoy apps helps them safeguard their online privacy and device security. While these apps can be useful tools for responsible adults, they can also be used for more dangerous purposes.
Concealing online activity from parents not only makes it challenging for parents to protect their children, but also makes it impossible to detect any potentially illegal or hazardous online behavior. This can be a serious concern, as children may engage in online activities that pose a threat to themselves or others.
When children hide their online activities from parents using different methods, they put themselves at risk of exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and predators. Bypassing safety filters and accessing unrestricted online content may expose children to violent or pornographic material that can have a negative impact on their development. Additionally, children who engage in online behavior that involves cyberbullying or harassment may experience mental health issues and emotional distress.
Moreover, hiding online activity may also put children at risk of interacting with online predators who can use personal information to groom them. These predators may be able to access personal information and use it to manipulate or exploit children, putting them in danger.
What can parents do?
If you suspect that your child is using technology to conceal their online activity or if you find a VPN, deception, or decoy app on their device, it’s essential to remain calm and approach the situation with care. Try to understand why they are using it and educate them on the importance of openness and honesty to ensure their safety online. Establishing open communication and setting clear boundaries with your child about their online behavior is crucial.
Online safety experts suggest using the ABC Model (control access, set boundaries, and openly communicate) as a useful and effective approach to creating a safe online environment for your family.
This involves controlling access to certain websites and apps, setting boundaries on screen time and appropriate online behavior, and creating a safe and supportive environment for open communication about online experiences and concerns. By following the ABC Model and staying involved in your child’s online activities, you can help ensure their safety and security while they navigate the online world.
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