Do you recall those moments when your toddler would only be drawn to the very things that you warned them against? As they mature, they begin to comprehend language and, to some degree, reasoning. However, instructing them not to engage in certain activities, associate with specific individuals, or go to particular places may still be perceived as an invitation to do exactly what they’re being told not to.

When it comes to discussing the dark web with young people, parents are in a tricky spot. On one hand, they want to provide their children with knowledge and support as they navigate the complexities of growing up. On the other hand, this openness may inadvertently expose their children to risks and dangers they are not yet equipped to handle.

Ironically, the more parents forbid their children from engaging in particular behaviors, the more appealing it becomes. The dark web is one such example. It is a place where users may encounter serious criminal activity. Yet, simply discussing it could trigger curiosity in young people and incite a desire to explore the dark web.

What is the ‘deep web’?

The Deep Web refers to the content on databases and web services that traditional search engines like Google and Yahoo cannot index for various reasons. For instance, it includes government records, academic databases, and corporate intranets, among others. Users can only access the information by searching individual databases, which can be time-consuming.

Contrary to how the media often portrays it, the Deep Web is not an illicit or frightening place. Instead, it houses a vast amount of information that traditional search engines cannot easily access. Many of the databases found in the Deep Web contain legitimate and valuable information that can benefit researchers, academics, and professionals alike.

What is the ‘dark web,’ and how is it used?

The “dark web” is a concealed portion of the internet, which requires specialized software, like the Tor browser, to gain access. Unlike the regular internet, this part of the web is intentionally hidden and is not searchable through traditional search engines or browsers.

The dark web is used for a variety of purposes, both legal and illegal. Some people use it for privacy reasons, such as to protect their anonymity when communicating online. Others use it to access content that is not available on the regular internet, such as websites that may be blocked or censored in their country.

However, the dark web is also home to a variety of illegal activities, such as black markets for drugs, weapons, and stolen data. It is also a hub for illegal activities such as hacking services, money laundering, and the sale of illegal pornography.

The anonymity provided by the dark web makes it a popular platform for criminal activities. Transactions are often made using cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, making it difficult to trace the source of the transactions.

Who uses the dark web?

The Dark Web operates on a system of servers that allow users to engage in illegal or dangerous activities while remaining anonymous. This hidden network is commonly used for activities such as drug trafficking, obtaining illegal weapons, hiring hitmen, and booking child sex holidays.

How can children get on the dark web?

Accessing the dark web requires specialized software, tools, and browsers, which means that it is not something that a person can stumble upon accidentally. This may be reassuring news for parents concerned about their children’s online safety.

However, parents must be on the lookout and keep track of their children’s online activities. Although the dark web may be difficult to access, there are still risks associated with online activities that may expose children to potential harm.

1. Personal Profiles

A helpful tip for monitoring your child’s online activity is to create a profile on your computer specifically for them. By doing so, you can track their online behavior and have a record of their computer activity in a well-organized and easily accessible manner.

2. Browser History

Examining someone’s browsing history can provide insight into the websites they have recently visited. It’s also possible to perform targeted searches within the browser history. However, it’s worth noting that many young people are aware of this common parental monitoring strategy and may try to hide their online activity by using private browsing modes, such as incognito or private windows. Nonetheless, parents should continue to review their children’s browsing history as it serves as a valuable tool for fostering accountability and responsibility.

3. Third Party Tools

Numerous third-party tools are available that offer online parental controls, providing an increased level of insight into website domains.

How to know if your child is on the dark web?

To gain insight into your child’s online activities, you can examine the software and programs installed on their computer, paying particular attention to their most frequently used programs. Some programs to watch out for, as they could indicate involvement in the dark web, include TOR (The Onion Router), Whonix, and Tails.

Additionally, be wary of installers for operating systems like Linux, as this may indicate an attempt to create a portable boot disk to access a separate operating system without your knowledge. If your child frequently uses a thumb drive on their computer, it’s worth asking questions about their usage.

Certain web browsers, such as Brave and Opera, are known for their strong privacy features, which could be a legitimate reason for your child to use them. However, keep in mind that these browsers can also access the TOR network, so it’s worth scrutinizing their usage.

Finally, cryptocurrency is the preferred method of transaction on the dark web. If your child has a crypto wallet, it’s important to understand their transactions and have visibility over how they are using it.

What to do if you discover your child has been accessing the dark web?

It’s important to keep in mind that the only way to access the Dark Web is through the TOR browser. However, it’s worth noting that experts have rated TOR as a Hazard App, meaning that if your child attempts to download it and you have Family Zone installed, you will receive an instant alert.

If you suspect your child has been using TOR on an unprotected device, it’s worth checking the installed apps for any mention of ‘TOR.’ If you find that it has been installed, it is important to remove it immediately and have a conversation with your child about why you have done so.

Make sure your child understands the risks associated with the Dark Web, and try to keep an open and blame-free line of communication with them. It’s really important to make sure they know how to stay safe when they are online and to understand that there can be serious consequences if they do things that are illegal or dangerous.