(BPT) - It's never been more important for parents to ensure their children are safe and staying productive online. With so many popular apps, websites and streaming services, keeping track of what your children are exposed to can be difficult. Even the most cautious kids can become victims of cybercrimes, especially child identity theft.
Children 18 years old and younger are often targets of identity theft because their unmarked credit scores and Social Security numbers are rarely monitored. According to a report by Javelin Research, child identity fraud costs families in the U.S. almost $1 billion a year and requires much time for parents to resolve. The report also found that:
- 1.25 million children were victims of identity theft in 2021
- 1 in 50 children became an ID fraud victim in 2021
These statistics are frightening, but that doesn't mean that parents need to live in fear. By taking proactive steps to protect your children online, you can empower them to use technology responsibly while keeping them safe from potential online threats.