A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that allows users to create a secure and private connection to the internet. It works by routing your internet traffic through a server located in a different location in the world, encrypting your data in the process, as well as changing a user’s location which makes it harder for others online to pinpoint your location. This is especially true when using public WiFi.
Presently, as we write this posting, we are using a VPN that shows we are in Seattle, when in fact we are in Victoria. VPN’s definitely help to protect a user’s online activities from being monitored or tracked by anyone, including internet service providers, social media platforms, hackers, police, and even parents.
As social media safety and digital literacy advocates, we do support the adult use of VPN’s from a privacy and security standpoint, but when using a VPN you get what you pay for. We recommend staying away from “free” VPN’s given that they do collect your internet activity and sell it to third parties. We recommend a “premium” VPN given that they often do not collect or sell your private information. There are a variety of reputable premium VPN’s on the market – the one we use here at the White Hatter is called “Private Internet Access” (PIA) (1)
So why do teens use a VPN? It’s important to note that not all teens use VPNs for nefarious purposes, and many use them for legitimate reasons like enhancing their online security or accessing content that may be blocked in their region for a school project or hobby they are interested in.
However, we have identified four primary reasons why a teen will use a VPN:
1. Bypass Parental Controls: Parental controls are tools designed to help you block or limit certain content, websites, and apps that may not be suitable for your child. These controls work by recognizing the unique identification of a device, called an IP address. However, when your child uses a VPN to go online, it creates a different IP address that the controls can’t recognize. As a result, the rules you set up to prevent access to restricted content or platforms may not apply when your child uses a VPN. This means they can potentially bypass the settings you’ve put in place, giving them access to content or platforms you intended to block.
2. Accessing restricted content on mobile networks: Sometimes, mobile networks block certain websites or content. By using a VPN, teens can hide their location and access restricted content.
Teens may feel the need to bypass parental internet controls because they want to explore the internet more freely, have more privacy, or access content that their parents may deem inappropriate.
3. Bypassing school restrictions: In school, VPNs can help teens get past internet restrictions set by the school. This means they can access websites or social media sites such as TikTok, Discord, or Snapchat during school hours when it’s not allowed.
4. To prevent Swatting and Doxing during online gaming: Swatting is a dangerous prank where someone online reports you to the local police, often as revenge for a gaming dispute or simply to be malicious. They make a false emergency call, leading the SWAT team to your home, resulting in a shocking and potentially harmful situation. Swatting incidents can have severe consequences, including arrests and harm to innocent individuals. Advances in technology have expanded swatting to public spaces, but using a VPN can protect gamers both at home and in public by concealing their location. Additionally, gamers should be cautious of doxing, which occurs when personal information is shared online, exposing them to further privacy risks in gaming networks.
As a parent, it’s important to be aware that your teen may be using a VPN. VPN apps can easily be downloaded from app stores and have their own icon (which can be hidden) on the device. Keep an eye out for a VPN icon on your child’s device, as it indicates active use. One way to do this as a parent – go into the Apple Store or the Google Play store on their device and search “VPN” and have a look at the icons for these apps.
In the Apple Store if you see a blue cloud with a down arrow it tells you they have downloaded that specific VPN
In the Google Store if you see a “green” highlighted “open” icon, it tells you they have downloaded that specific VPN on their Android phone.
In addition, many mobile devices feature a “VPN” icon that appears in the top right corner of a phone or computer screen when a VPN is actively in use. Therefore, conducting regular spot checks on the device is an excellent method to identify any newly installed VPNs. By staying observant and performing these checks, parents can stay informed about their child’s device activities and promptly address any concerns.
If you, as a parent or caregiver, have made the decision to restrict your child from downloading a VPN onto their device, we suggest utilizing the “Gryphon Router” (2), in conjunction with their mobile app called “homebound” (3), which can be installed on your child’s phone. These two tools offer a solution for preventing the unauthorized download of a VPN onto your child’s device without parental permission, as well as several other parental filtering and monitoring options. By implementing these measures, parents can more effectively control the use of VPNs
Yes, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be an essential tool for enhancing online privacy and security. By encrypting data and changing a user’s location, VPNs protect against monitoring and tracking by various parties.
While we do endorse the use of VPNs, it is crucial to exercise caution when selecting one. Free VPNs often collect and sell user data, making premium VPNs a better choice for safeguarding personal information.
For teenagers, VPNs may serve legitimate purposes such as improving security and accessing restricted content for research. However, parents should also be aware that teens may use VPNs to bypass parental controls, access blocked content on mobile networks, or circumvent school restrictions.
Vigilance is key, and parents should monitor their child’s device for VPN apps or utilize family routers like the Gryphon Router, combined with the “Homebound” mobile app, to prevent unauthorized VPN downloads by youth.
By staying informed and taking proactive measures, parents can ensure a safer online environment for their teenagers.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
1/ https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/
