How to Talk to Kids About Cybersecurity Without Scaring Them

by LISN Kids | available on iOS & Android

• 3 min read

Why cybersecurity matters—even for kids

If you’re a parent of a child aged 6 to 12, chances are you’ve already had conversations about screen time, online games, or maybe even what kind of YouTube videos are appropriate. But the topic of cybersecurity—keeping your child safe from online threats, scams, and strangers—can feel overwhelming and much scarier to bring up. You want to keep your child safe, of course—but how do you talk to them about digital dangers without making them anxious, afraid, or confused?

Let’s be honest: children in this age group are curious. They’re learning where boundaries are, both offline and online. But while we lock our front doors and teach road safety early on, internet safety can feel like the invisible monster under the bed. The good news? You can absolutely talk to your child about cybersecurity in a calm, age-appropriate way that protects them—without scaring them.

Start with what they already know

Children are not blank slates when it comes to technology. They see you using your phone, they might play with tablets, and some even have access to messaging apps or games. Use their familiarity with tech as a starting point. Ask questions like:

  • “Have you ever seen something online that made you feel uncomfortable?”
  • “Do you know what a password is?”
  • “What would you do if someone you don’t know sent you a message online?”

By starting with questions, you invite your child into a dialogue instead of delivering a lecture. It helps them feel capable and included rather than fearful.

Replace scary phrases with empowering ones

Instead of saying, “There are bad people on the internet who could hurt you,” shift your language toward, “The internet is kind of like a big city—most people are nice, but you have to be cautious just like when crossing a busy street.”

Keep your tone casual and your examples relatable to their world. Compare online passwords to house keys. Explain why we don’t share personal information online just like we wouldn’t tell a stranger our home address.

Make rules feel like tools

To children, rules often feel like limits. But if you present cyber rules as tools that help them stay strong and independent online, the conversation shifts. Here’s how:

  • “We use strong passwords because that makes you powerful on the internet—it’s like having a secret superhero code name.”
  • “When you ask before clicking on links, you’re protecting your tablet or computer from viruses, like a tech doctor keeping your device healthy.”

Bring them in as co-pilots, not just passengers. When they feel like part of the decision-making, they’re more likely to understand and follow guidelines.

Know when to plant the seed—not pour the bucket

Talking about cybersecurity doesn’t have to be a sit-down, one-time lecture. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Small, casual conversations over time often work best. Mention something while you’re cooking together or during the bedtime routine. Don’t try to cover every topic—malware, phishing, privacy settings, social media traps—all at once. Just plant the seeds.

Over time, these small touchpoints help your child build a foundation of critical thinking for when they do encounter something tricky online. And just like we coach kids on how to handle peer pressure, we can coach them to pause before clicking, to question what’s asked of them online, and to feel okay asking for help.

Use stories, not warnings

Children relate to stories more than rules. That’s why using fictional but relatable scenarios can help connect the dots without triggering fear.

Consider listening together to age-appropriate audio stories that subtly impart online safety messages. Apps like LISN Kids—available on iOS and Android—offer original audiobooks and series that engage children while giving them tools to navigate digital life, screen time and social interactions in empowering ways.

LISN Kids App

Listening to positive, thoughtful content together can be a non-intrusive way to open broader conversations about the online world—especially for more sensitive or anxious children.

Normalize questions—and even mistakes

Your child may click something you warned them about. Or they might open a message from a stranger without realizing it was risky. When this happens, the goal is not to punish, but to praise them if they come to you. Celebrate the communication, not just the outcome.

Create an environment where they know you’re a safe person to go to—even if they’ve made a mistake. This reinforces that online safety isn’t about fear—it's about learning, practicing, and growing just like anything else.

Some helpful next steps

If you're wondering what else you can do to promote a healthy, confident approach to digital life, you may find these guides helpful as well:

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to raise children who are afraid of the internet. It’s to raise children who feel equipped to use technology wisely, ask thoughtful questions, and make safe choices. And that begins with calm, caring, and ongoing conversations—just like the one you’re about to have today.