What is a VPN? What parents need to know

Inside the guide

• How do VPNs work?
• Why are VPNs a concern for children online?
• What do suspicious VPNs look like? 
• How can you tell if your child might be using a VPN?
• Staying engaged and using tech tools

How do VPNs work?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool. It helps people hide their real location and browse the internet more privately. It works by routing internet activity through a different server, often in another country. This can make it seem like the person is in another location. This allows them to access websites or content that may be blocked or restricted.

VPNs are often used for privacy and security. For example, adults working from home or people wanting to protect their data on public Wi-Fi use them. However, children and teens may also use VPNs to get around parental controls, school filters or age-based restrictions.

Why are VPNs a concern for children online?

From 25 July, stricter laws will make it harder to access adult content online. While this is a positive step for protecting children, there’s a chance that some may try to bypass these protections using VPNs.

Using a VPN can lead to several concerns:

• Bypassing filters and parental controls – VPNs can make it harder for you to manage what children access online.
• Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content – VPNs can help children access adult content, unsafe websites, or unmoderated platforms.
• Reduced transparency – VPN use makes it difficult to monitor online behaviour or understand what children are doing online.
• Risk of harmful VPN apps – Some free VPNs can carry malware, track activity, or misuse data.

Are VPNs commonly used?

Yes. A Forbes Advisor poll shows that about 1 in 3 internet users worldwide use VPNs. 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. 

A note on free VPNs and cybersecurity 

As online protections increase, some children may search for “free VPNs” to get around restrictions. These services often come with risks: they may bombard users with scam adverts, track online activity, or install malware. It’s important to talk to children about these risks and help them understand that not all VPNs are safe, especially if they’re being promoted as “free forever” or offer unlimited access with no strings attached. 

What do suspicious VPNs look like?

Not all VPNs are created equal. Some are designed with privacy and security in mind, while others—especially many free VPNs—may carry hidden risks, like:

• Tracking user data
• Showing scammy ads
• Slowing down the device
• Installing malware
• Bypassing safety filters

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 VPN access completely. You can do this with parental controls or by limiting app store access.

Here’s how to spot a suspicious or unsafe VPN: 

How can you tell if your child might be 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 VPN apps appear on their device 

What can you do to manage children’s access to VPNs?

Here are 5 practical steps to help manage and talk about VPNs with children: 

1. Start a conversation 

• Ask open questions like: 
  “Have you heard of a VPN?” or “Do your friends use any apps to get around filters?” 

• Help them understand why certain sites are blocked – it’s not about punishment, but about safety. 

• Reassure them that it’s okay to be curious, but explain that VPNs can lead to risky or harmful content. 

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.

Supporting resources