Parents fear AI scams targeting kids but avoid safety conversations

Children are spending more time online than ever before, and this early exposure opens the door to a new kind of danger.

artificial intelligence It has fueled online fraud, creating personalized and convincing traps that even adults can fall into. Bitwarden’s latest “Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025” survey shows that although parents know these risks exist, most have yet to seriously talk to their children about them.

This growing connectivity gap leaves younger internet users vulnerable at a time when online safety depends more than ever on education and censorship.

Young children face real dangers online

Preschoolers are now part of the connected world, but few of them truly understand how to stay safe. The Bitwarden survey found that 42% of parents with children between three and five years old said their children had accidentally shared personal information online.

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5 phone safety tips every parent should know

AI-powered scams are finding new ways to reach kids who are going online earlier than ever before. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

Nearly 80% of children between the ages of three and twelve already have their own tablet or other connected device. Many parents assume that supervision programs or family settings are sufficient, but that assumption breaks down as children explore apps, games, and chat spaces designed to capture their attention. Access to devices has become almost universal by the beginning of elementary school, but meaningful supervision and honest conversations about safety still lag behind.

The threat of artificial intelligence and parental separation

Artificial intelligence has changed the nature of online scams by making them seem familiar, personal, and difficult to identify. Bitwarden data shows that 78% of parents are concerned that their child could fall victim to an AI-enhanced threat, such as a cloned voice message or a fake conversation with a friend. Despite this fear, nearly half of these same parents have not talked to their children about what an AI-driven scam might look like. The disconnect is strongest among Generation Z parents.

About 80% of them say they fear their children will fall victim to an AI-based scheme, yet 37% of them allow their children to have full or almost complete independence online. In these families, problems are more common. Malware infections, unauthorized in-app purchases, and phishing attempts appear at the highest rates among families who are more concerned but monitor less. The irony is clear. Parents recognize the threat but fail to translate awareness into consistent action.

Why didn’t the parents speak up?

There are many reasons why this important conversation may be delayed. Some parents simply feel they are not prepared Explaining artificial intelligenceWhile others assume that the safety equipment they have will protect their children. Only 17% of U.S. parents actively seek out information about AI technologies, according to related research by Barna Group. This leaves a large majority relying on partial knowledge or outdated advice.

Many parents also use multiple devices at home, making it difficult to keep track of every app or game their children use. Some overestimate how secure their own habits are, though they admit to reusing passwords or skipping security updates. Without direct understanding or personal discipline, teaching these lessons to children becomes more difficult. As a result, many children encounter the Internet with curiosity but without proper guidance.

Smart ways to protect your child online

Bitwarden’s findings make one thing clear: kids are coming online at a younger age, and AI-powered scams are already targeting them. The good news is that parents can take practical steps now to reduce those risks and build lasting online safety habits.

1) Keep devices where you can see them

Set up tablets, laptops, and game consoles in common family areas instead of bedrooms. When screens remain visible, they naturally become part of your child’s online world. This not only encourages open conversation, but also helps detect suspicious messages, fake friend requests, or fraudulent links before they cause problems.

Staying engaged in your child’s digital life is the best defense against today’s AI threats. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

2) Use built-in parental controls

Most devices have powerful tools that you can activate within minutes. Screen Time from Apple and Google Family Link let you set screen time, approve new app installations, and monitor how long your child spends using certain apps. These controls are especially useful for younger children who, according to a Bitwarden survey, often have little supervision despite heavy use of the devices.

Teenagers turn to artificial intelligence in search of love and comfort

3) Occurs during each download

Before your child installs a New game or appTake a minute to check it out together. Read reviews, look at the data it collects and check the name of the developer. Explain why some “free” games or apps might request access to a camera or contact that you don’t need. This type of joint review teaches healthy skepticism and helps children recognize red flags later.

4) Make strong password and two-factor authentication a family rule

AI fraud thrives using weak or reused passwords. Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique logins for each account. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible, so that if your password is stolen, the account remains protected. Let your kids know how you use these tools so they learn that safety isn’t complicated, it’s just a habit.

Many parents delay important online safety conversations because they feel ill-prepared to explain AI, leaving kids curious but without the guidance they need to stay safe. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

Next, check if your email has been exposed in previous breaches. Our #1 password manager pick has a built-in penetration scanner that checks if your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

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5) Teach them to stop and tell

One of the best defenses is simple: Encourage your child to stop and speak up before responding to anything unusual online. Whether it’s a pop-up asking for a prize, a strange link in a conversation, or a familiar-sounding voice message, remind them that it’s always a good idea to ask first. Quick conversations like these can prevent costly mistakes and turn learning moments into trust-building moments.

6) Keep devices updated and use powerful antivirus software

Outdated software can leave gaps for scammers to exploit. Update operating systems, browsers, and applications regularly to close these vulnerabilities. Add powerful antivirus software. Explain to your child that updates and checks keep their favorite games and videos running safely, and not just their parents happy.

The best way to protect against malicious links that install malware, and potentially access private information, is to install strong antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

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7) Make online safety a part of everyday life

Don’t save these conversations for when something goes wrong. Bring them up casually during family time or when watching YouTube or playing together. Treat digital safety like any other life skill, something that is practiced daily and gets better over time. The more natural it feels, the more confident your child will be when facing online dangers.

Talking about online safety early helps build trust and awareness before problems start. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

What does this mean for you?

If you are a parent, guardian, or anyone helping a child use technology, this issue deserves your attention. Start talking early, even before your child starts exploring the web on their own. Teach them simple concepts like asking before clicking or sharing. Instead of relying solely on parental controls, have ongoing conversations that help them identify suspicious links, messages, or pop-ups. Show them that cybersecurity is not about fear but awareness. Model strong digital habits at home with unique passwords up and running Two-factor authentication. Explain why these steps are important. When your child understands the reasons behind rules, he or she is more likely to follow them. Make technology a part of your family’s routine rather than a private space that your child navigates alone. Regularly check the apps they use and the people they interact with. Set clear expectations and age-appropriate limits that can grow as your child experiences. Staying involved is the most powerful protection you can offer.

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Key takeaways for Kurt

The numbers from Bitwarden show a clear warning sign. There is great concern among parents, but actual conversations about AI-driven scams remain rare. This silence gives scammers the upper hand. Children who learn about online safety early are more confident, cautious, and better equipped to handle unexpected messages or fake alerts. It takes just a few minutes of honest conversation to create awareness that will last for years. By taking action now, you can bridge the gap between fear and understanding, and protect your family in a digital world that changes every day.

Are you ready to start the conversation that can prevent your child from becoming the next target of an AI-powered scam? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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