A recent study by 1Password and Malwarebytes, “Parenting and Growing Up Online,” sheds light on the realities of raising Gen Z in the digital age. The report surveyed both parents and Gen Z individuals in North America to understand their routines, challenges, and views on the future of a fully online generation. The findings reveal some significant gaps in understanding and practices, highlighting the need for parents to step up and play a more active role in their children’s digital lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Online Since Birth: A whopping 79% of parents post images, videos, or personal information about their kids online, with 39% starting as soon as they’re born. This early exposure creates an “infinite digital footprint” that can have lasting consequences.
- Privacy Paradox: While 73% of Gen Z wish their parents would ask permission before posting about them online, only 34% of parents actually do. This clash of expectations can lead to tension and resentment.
- Dangers of the Internet: Both parents (96%) and Gen Z (93%) recognize the harmful effects of the internet, with cyberbullying and misinformation topping the list of concerns.
- Security Perception Gap: A staggering 89% of parents believe they monitor their child’s online activity, but 66% of teenagers say their parents have no involvement in their online accounts. This disconnect highlights the need for more open communication and collaboration.
- Problematic Security Advice: Surprisingly, 70% of Gen Z report receiving password security advice from their parents, but much of it is outdated and insecure, such as using the same password for everything or writing them down on paper.
- Stealthy Workarounds: To avoid parental monitoring, 72% of Gen Z admit to using tactics like VPNs, secret devices, and even factory resets.
- Social Media Skepticism: Many parents (72%) are glad they didn’t have social media growing up, and 35% of Gen Z wish they had waited longer to start using it.
What Can Parents Do?
The report emphasizes the importance of digital literacy education for both parents and kids. Here are some actionable steps parents can take to bridge the gap and better support their children online:
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest online threats, privacy settings, and safe online practices. Resources like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) offer valuable insights and guidance.
- Open Communication: Have regular, open conversations with your kids about their online experiences, concerns, and challenges. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing without judgment.
- Respect Privacy: Ask for your child’s permission before posting about them online, especially as they get older. Respect their wishes and boundaries when it comes to their digital identity.
- Password Management: Teach your kids the importance of strong, unique passwords and introduce them to password managers like 1Password or LastPass. These tools can help generate and store complex passwords securely.
- Set Clear Expectations: Establish clear rules and guidelines for internet usage, including time limits, appropriate content, and online behavior.
- Monitor and Supervise: Use parental control tools to monitor your child’s online activity, but also respect their privacy and independence. Strike a balance between oversight and trust.
- Lead by Example: Model responsible online behavior yourself. Practice good password hygiene, be mindful of what you share, and engage in constructive online interactions.
Protecting Your Family’s Identity
In addition to the measures above, it’s crucial to protect your family from the growing threat of identity theft. Identity theft can have devastating financial and emotional consequences, and children are particularly vulnerable due to their clean credit histories.
Consider investing in a comprehensive family identity theft protection plan. These plans typically offer features like:
- Credit Monitoring: Monitors your and your children’s credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Dark Web Monitoring: Scans the dark web for your family’s personal information.
- Social Media Monitoring: Tracks social media accounts for signs of account takeover or identity theft.
- Identity Theft Insurance: Provides financial coverage in case of identity theft.
- Fraud Resolution Support: Helps you resolve identity theft issues and restore your identity.
Here are some reputable identity theft protection services with family plans that you might consider:
- Aura: Offers comprehensive protection with family plans covering up to 5 adults and unlimited children.
- Identity Guard: Provides AI-powered monitoring and alerts with family plans for up to 10 members.
- LifeLock: A well-known brand with various family plans to choose from.
Helpful Products and Resources:
- Password Managers: 1Password, LastPass, Dashlane
- Antivirus Software: Malwarebytes, Norton, McAfee
- Parental Control Apps: Qustodio, Net Nanny, Bark
- Digital Literacy Resources: Common Sense Media, ConnectSafely, Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
The “We’re Learning Together” Approach
Parenting in the digital age is an ongoing learning process. Embrace a “we’re learning together” mindset, where you and your child can explore the online world, share insights, and support each other along the way. By staying informed, communicating openly, and taking proactive steps to protect your child’s digital well-being, you can help them navigate the challenges and opportunities of growing up online.
About The Study:
Source: 1Password and Malwarebytes. Parenting and Growing Up Online
Malwarebytes and 1Password conducted this research using online surveys prepared by Method Research and distributed by Dynata among n=1,000 Gen Z respondents and n=1,000 parents.
- Gen Z respondents were born between 1997–2009 with n=750 from the United States and n=250 from Canada.
- Parent respondents had at least one child between the ages of 8 to 17 with n=750 from the United States and n=250 from Canada.
Both samples were equally split between gender, with a spread of ages, child’s ages, and geographies represented, including readable race groups.
Data was collected from August 3 to August 16, 2022