How VPNs Let Kids Bypass Parental Controls - What Parents and Guardians Need to Know

What’s a VPN, and Why Do Kids Use It?

VPNs were originally designed to protect privacy, but kids are using them to bypass parental controls. A VPN hides a device’s location and internet activity by “relocating” it to another country or masking its IP address. Simply put, a child can use a smartphone in one country but appear online as if they’re physically located in another. A VPN essentially lets someone "time and space travel" across the globe without ever boarding a plane. This capability allows kids to override parental restrictions - such as blocked games, social media, or screen-time limits.

For example, a nine-year-old in France with a device that’s set to turn off at 8:00 PM (20:00) might use a VPN app to make it look like they’re in Canada, where it’s only 2:00 PM (14:00). This difference effectively gives them another six hours of screen time, extending use well past bedtime.

Many parents are unaware that VPN apps are often free, easy to download, and, importantly, that kids can hide these apps on their devices to avoid detection. VPN use is becoming common among children, and it’s not unusual for kids as young as eight or nine to know about VPNs and share access details with each other at school. If your child has a smartphone or tablet, or if they play online games, it’s increasingly likely they’re familiar with VPNs - perhaps even more than you might think.

How Kids Use VPNs to Get Around Controls: Real-Life Scenarios

1. Bypassing Screen Time Limits on Social Media Let’s say a parent has restricted access to TikTok or Instagram after 9 PM (21:00). If a child uses a VPN, they can make it appear as if their device is connecting from another location, essentially “hiding” from the parental control app. This allows them to keep scrolling past curfew without triggering the parental settings.
2. Accessing Blocked Games and Apps Many parents use filters to block certain apps or websites. For instance, a popular game like Fortnite might be restricted to avoid distractions during study hours. By turning on a VPN, a child can access the game as if they’re in a different country or network, which bypasses the filter.
3. Watching Geo-Blocked Content Suppose there’s a show on a streaming service only available in another country, or a Youtube video restricted to users over 18. Kids can use a VPN to make it appear as if they’re browsing from a country where the content is available or bypassing the age restriction, letting them access shows and videos without limitations.
4. Avoiding Content Filters Schools and some parental controls block websites known for violence, inappropriate content, or distractions. With a VPN, kids can bypass these filters. For example, if certain video or chat sites are blocked on school Wi-Fi, a VPN lets them access these sites as if the restriction didn’t exist. This allows them to access restricted content from their school devices during school hours.

How Common Is VPN Use Among Kids? Research shows VPN use is rising among pre-teens and teens, with many young users saying they’ve downloaded a VPN app without their parents knowing. Since free VPNs are widely available, even children without tech knowledge can quickly set one up to bypass restrictions.

What’s Next for VPNs? VPN technology is evolving, and soon it may come standard on many devices, making it harder to track. Some VPNs now offer “stealth modes,” which are designed to keep the app hidden from common parental monitoring systems, further complicating things for parents trying to keep an eye on device use.

Why It Matters VPNs can expose kids to significant risks beyond bypassing controls. Free VPNs often sell user data, expose them to ads, or even carry malware. Additionally, by using VPNs, kids may access inappropriate content or lose track of the time they spend online.

How Parents and Guardians Can Stay Involved and Informed

1. Know the signs of VPN use: If your child suddenly has access to blocked apps or content you’ve restricted, it could be a sign they’re using a VPN.
2. Monitor app installations: Periodically check which apps are installed on your child’s devices. Some parental control apps can detect VPN installations, alerting you if one appears on the device.
3. Open a dialogue about limits: If your child feels restricted, have an honest conversation about why certain sites or times are off-limits. Offer to explore safe ways for them to access appropriate content. Consider leaving devices turned off and in an open location during evening and night hours.
4. Collaborate with tech companies: Advocate for transparency with VPNs and push for options that alert parents to VPN use, making it easier to balance freedom with safety.
5. Engage with your child’s school and community: Talk to your child’s school about hosting a presentation on VPNs and digital safety, ideally led by the IT department or a knowledgeable tech professional. Collaborate with the PTA to inform other families and initiate a school-wide conversation around online safety. Creating open and calm dialogue with children about their technology use and safety can build awareness and foster responsible habits.

VPNs are valuable for privacy for adults, but they can also create risks if used irresponsibly. By staying aware and open to dialogue, adults can help their children use technology safely and responsibly.

Some of the most popular free VPNs among younger users include:

1. Proton VPN Free: Offers unlimited data and a user-friendly interface, making it attractive to younger users.
2. Windscribe Free: Provides 10 GB of free data per month and access to servers in multiple countries, appealing to those seeking to circumvent restrictions.
3. Hotspot Shield Basic: Known for its fast connection speeds and ease of use, it offers 500 MB of free data daily, sufficient for light browsing.
4. Hide.Me Free: Offers 10 GB of free data per month and a straightforward setup process, making it accessible to less tech-savvy users.
5. TunnelBear Free: With a user-friendly design and 500 MB of free data per month, it appeals to younger users looking for simplicity.
6. NordVPN: Offers a 7-day free trial on Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee, with a reputation for high speeds and strong privacy features, making it popular with adolescent gamers.

Vocabulary

• VPN (Virtual Private Network): A tool that disguises your device’s location and hides browsing activity.
• Geo-restriction: Blocking access to content based on a user's location.
• Encryption: Scrambling data so that it’s hidden from outside viewers.
• Malware: Short for "malicious software," malware is any software intentionally designed to damage or disrupt a device, steal data, or give unauthorized access to hackers. Common types include viruses, spyware, and ransomware, which can harm devices or compromise privacy.

Wise Parenting Newsletter cuts through tech hype with our two-minute read, delivering essential insights for families to support and safeguard children.