Kids and teens are a prime target for scams that speak their language: 'free V-Bucks', fake giveaways on Instagram and TikTok, stolen codes, and phishing inside games. Here's how to keep them safe — without being 'the adult who bans everything'.
• Gaming: 'free Robux, V-Bucks or Fortnite' with a link that steals the account • Giveaways: an Instagram or TikTok DM saying 'you won, click here' • Account phishing: 'your account will be locked, verify details' • Verification code: someone asks for a code you received to 'give a prize' • Sextortion: threats to share images — they must know to come to you immediately
Don't scare, empower. Explain that scammers try to trick people exactly in the games and apps they love, and that it's not shameful to fall for it — what matters is telling you. Set a rule: 'Got a weird link or offer? Show me, or check it in Phishy before you click.' And especially: 'If anyone threatens you — come to me right away, no matter what.'
• No real prize requires a verification code or password • 'Free' in a game that needs an external login link = a scam • Never share a code that arrived by SMS with anyone • Facing a threat or blackmail — stop, don't pay, and tell an adult immediately
Phishy gives kids a fast tool: share a suspicious message or link and get a verdict instantly — no tech knowledge needed. ⭐ And Family Mode: you connect to your child's device (with consent) and get an alert if a scam reaches them — without reading their private chats. The right balance between protection and trust.
Family Mode alerts you only when a scam is detected — it doesn't show you their messages. Your child also gets their own tool to check. Protection with trust.
Change passwords immediately, turn on two-factor authentication, and check for charges. Most importantly — don't blame them, so they'll come to you next time too.