What are VPNs used for? What parents need to know
Virtual private networks (VPNs) help users browse privately online. However, while they offer additional security, they can also leave children open to risk of harm.
Learn what VPNs do, why children might want to use them and how you can manage VPNs to keep your family safer online.
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Inside the guide
- What is a VPN?
- Is VPN use safe for children?
- What do suspicious VPNs look like?
- Is my child using a VPN?
- How to keep your child safe
- Supporting resources
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for virtual private network. It’s a tool which helps people hide their real location and browse the internet more privately.
When a user connects to the internet through a VPN, websites are not able to track where they come from. While this can make it harder for people to track you online, there are also risks. Children in particular could risk viruses and online harm if they don’t understand how VPNs work.
How do VPNs work?
VPNs work by routing internet activity through a different server, often in another country. Providers often randomise servers so that users rarely connect to the same server each time.
People use VPNs for an additional layer of security because it encrypts information from your device. This means that internet service providers and anyone else monitoring your public network cannot see what you’re browsing. For example, some employers might require their remote employees to use VPNs to protect sensitive information. Or a person might use a VPN when accessing free public WiFi for internet access.
Using this tool also means that the website your accessing will see you as a user from another country. This makes VPNs an option for people trying to get around websites blocked in their country. In the case of children, they might use VPNs to bypass parental controls, school filters or age-based restrictions.
How many people use VPNs?
A Forbes Advisor poll shows that about 1 in 3 internet users worldwide use these tools. This number is growing, especially among young people. In the UK, VPNs are becoming increasingly popular, with many teens aware of and actively using them to get around filters.
Is VPN use safe for children?
VPN use among children causes several concerns:
- Bypassing filters and parental controls: Virtual private networks can make it harder for parents and schools to manage what children access online.
- Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content: Online safety laws in the UK make it harder for all users, including children, to access adult content online. However, some children might try to use these networks to bypass restrictions, leaving them exposed to online harms.
- Reduced transparency: VPN use makes it difficult to monitor online behaviour or understand what children are doing online.
- Risk of harmful apps: Some free VPNs can carry malware, track activity or misuse data.
What do suspicious VPNs look like?
As online protections increase, some children might search for ‘free’ VPNs to get around restrictions. These free services often come with risks. So, it’s important to talk to children about these risks and help them understand that not all VPNs are safe. This is particularly true for free VPNs that claim to give unlimited use.
While some VPNs are designed with privacy and security in mind, these free alternatives often are not.
If you are not sure if a VPN is safe, search the app name online. Add ‘review’ or ‘scam’ to your search. You will quickly find out if others have had problems.
For younger children and teens, it is best to block them from adding new apps, including VPNs. You can do this with parental controls or by limiting app store access.
Signs of unsafe VPNs
If you’re looking for a safe VPN or check your child’s device for unsafe VPNs, look out for the following things.
Many unsafe VPNs have flashy or overly generic names like:
- Turbo VPN
- Super VPN
- Flash VPN
- Fastest VPN
These often use buzzwords like ‘unlimited,’ ‘free forever,’ or ‘super secure’ to draw attention, but offer little real protection.
Look for icons with:
- Cartoon animals (e.g. bunnies, foxes, unicorns)
- Overused symbols like lightning bolts, shields or keys
- Poor design or blurry logos – a sign that the app might not be from a trustworthy developer
If you see these icons on your child’s device, explore it yourself and ask your child about it. They might not be using a VPN to bypass controls but because they believe it to be more secure. In those cases, it’s best to find something safe that your whole family can use.
In the app store listing or on the website, you may notice:
- No company name or one that looks fake;
- No website, privacy policy or support information;
- Vague or broken links to the terms of service and other similar documentation.
If you don’t know much about the company or if they’re not well-known, it’s best to stay clear of their apps. Often, free versions of apps that usually require subscriptions collect a lot of data. If they don’t tell you how, it’s best to steer clear.
Most apps that you download on your child’s device will require permissions. In the case of VPNs, they might need access to your location and IP address. However, if the app asks for permissions unrelated to data and security, that could be a sign that the app is not trustworthy.
These unnecessary permissions could include access to:
- Contacts;
- Camera or photos;
- Microphone;
- Text messages.
If you notice a lot of pop-up ads or virus alerts on a device your child uses, it could be a sign of an untrustworthy app. Fake VPNs sometimes inject malware onto our devices, and these pop-ups could be a sign. These pop-ups could include:
- Fake warnings about viruses;
- Prompts to install other untrustworthy apps;
- Offers for free trials that are hard to cancel.
When looking for a safe VPN, make sure you check the lower-rated reviews to see what people are calling out. Examples could include:
- Lots of 1-star reviews mention ads, data theft, or scams;
- Sudden spikes in downloads without a trustworthy developer.
Is my child using a VPN?
It can be tricky to spot VPN use, but some possible signs include:
- Certain apps or websites that were previously blocked are now accessible;
- Your parental controls or filters stop working as expected;
- Browsing history is missing or doesn’t match expected usage;
- Your child becomes more secretive about their devices or time online;
- Unexpected apps appear on their device.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good time to complete a safety check on their devices.
Check your child’s smartphone or tablet is set up safe
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How to keep your child safe
If you’re struggling to get your child on board with online safety restrictions, you’re not alone. While VPNs can support privacy and security, your child should not use one without your permission and without boundaries in place.
The following are 5 tips to help keep your child safe online and prevent unexpected safety breaches.
1. Talk about safety restrictions
It might seem simple, but regular conversations can make a huge difference in your child’s online safety. Talking to them daily about their interests is a good place to start. When you’re ready, dive deeper into safety and security.
- Gauge their knowledge to see what they already know about security. Ask questions like ‘Do you know what VPNs are?’ and ‘Can you tell me how they work?’
- Discuss what harmful websites look like and why they’re blocked. Explain that some content is only meant for adults, and seeing it too young can be confusing.
- Reassure them that it’s okay to be curious, but website blockers help make sure that curiosity doesn’t lead to harm.
- If they’re interested in VPNs for security, discuss other ways you can help them stay secure. For example, using two-factor authentication, avoiding public WiFi and using password managers are safe ways to manage their security.
2. Check device settings and apps
- Regularly review your child’s apps. Look for unfamiliar or suspicious ones – especially apps with names like “Turbo VPN”, “SuperVPN” or anything with a shield or key icon.
- On iPhones and Android devices, you can check if a VPN is running. Go to Settings > General > VPN on iPhone. For Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN
3. Use robust parental controls
Some tools like Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time, or third-party apps like Qustodio, Norton Family, or Net Nanny can:
- Block the installation of VPN apps
- Restrict app store access
- Alert you to new apps being installed
- Set up safe browsing filters on devices, routers, and your home network – but be aware that VPNs can bypass these, so ongoing conversations about this is key.
4. Turn off app downloads (if needed)
- For younger children, consider turning off access to download new apps unless approved by you.
- For older children, involve them in decisions around app use, but keep permissions in place where possible.
5. Agree on family rules for internet use
- Discuss what’s acceptable and what’s not, and explain why.
- Use our digital family agreement template to create a simple agreement that outlines when and where devices can be used, and which types of apps or sites are off-limits.
Staying engaged and using tech tools
VPNs are powerful tools, and while they have legitimate uses, they can pose risks for children if used to bypass important safety filters. The most important thing is to stay engaged, keep the conversation going, and use a mix of tools and trust to help children make safe choices online.
If you’re concerned or want more support, see our parental controls hub for step-by-step guides to managing devices and keeping children safe online.