How to Talk About Identity Theft with Kids

Most parents talk to their kids about being kind online or avoiding strangers in games. But there's another conversation we should be having — one that's just as important: identity theft.

Kids may not have credit cards or bank accounts, but that doesn't mean they're safe. In fact, their clean credit histories make them a perfect target for identity thieves. And because children rarely check their credit, these crimes often go unnoticed for years.

Talking to kids about identity theft might feel tricky, especially if you're not sure where to start. But just like you teach them to look both ways before crossing the street, you can teach them how to stay safe online — step by step.

Start with what identity theft means

Don't jump into the scary stuff right away. Begin by explaining what identity is — things like their full name, birthday, address, school name, or even their login details and pictures. Then, explain that identity theft is when someone takes this information without permission and uses it to pretend to be them.

You might say:

"Imagine if someone took your name and birthday and used it to open a bank account or pretend they were you. That's called identity theft — and it can cause big problems."

Keep it short, age-appropriate, and focus on helping them understand the basics.

Related: When Should a Child Have Their Own Email Account?

Give simple examples they can relate to

Use situations they might recognize. For example:

– "If you share your login with someone you don't know in a game, they could change your password and take over your account."

– "If someone asks for your birthday and school name online, they might use it to pretend they're you."

For older kids, you can also mention real-world consequences, like someone opening a loan in their name or messing up their credit score. 

Explain why it matters, even at their age

Some kids might say, "But I don't even have money!" That's a great chance to explain that thieves often target children because they don't expect it. Their identity can be used to borrow money, commit fraud, or even create fake accounts that go undetected for years.

Let them know this is not about blame — it's about learning to stay safe and be smart online.

Teach them what not to share

Help your child understand which pieces of information are private. Make a short list together and hang it up near their computer or tablet. For example:

– Full name

– Date of birth

– Address and phone number

– School name and schedule

– Photos that show where they live or go to school

– Passwords, PINs, and codes

Remind them: just because someone asks for information doesn't mean they need to give it.

Set rules for online sharing

Work together on a few simple family rules, like:

– Never share personal info in games or on social media

– Ask before downloading new apps

– Always tell a parent if someone asks for private information

Framing these as safety rules — not just strict limits — helps kids understand you're on their side.

Encourage open conversations

Make sure your kids know they can come to you without getting in trouble, even if they've made a mistake or clicked something they weren't supposed to. The goal is to build trust and teamwork, not fear.

Try saying:

"If anything feels weird online, you can always tell me. We'll figure it out together."

Protect their devices and accounts

Children's online safety isn't only about what they do — it's also about how well their devices are protected.

– Use strong, unique passwords for each account

– Turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible

– Set up parental controls to monitor activity and manage internet time

– Use identity protection tools that alert you if your child's data appears in a breach

– Install security software that blocks phishing messages, fake websites, and suspicious links before they ever reach your child's device.

A family security plan like Bitdefender Premium Security can help you cover all these bases. It includes award-winning antivirus, advanced parental controls, a secure VPN, and identity protection features — all in one easy-to-manage package. You can install it on your child's device to monitor apps, filter harmful content, and get alerts about suspicious activity. It's a simple way to keep your whole family safer online, without needing to be a tech expert.

Keep it ongoing, not one-time

Talking about identity theft isn't a one-time chat. Bring it up when your child signs up for a new app, gets a new device, or hears about something in the news. These natural moments make great openings to talk — and help build awareness over time.

Your child doesn't need to know everything about credit scores or cybercrime. But they do need to know how to protect their information and ask for help when something feels wrong. By keeping the conversation simple and honest, you're giving your child the tools to grow up safer and smarter in a digital world.

Here are more articles from our "How to Talk with Kids About…" series—each one designed to help you explain tricky online topics in a way that makes sense to your child:

• How to Talk to Kids About Phishing Scams
• How to Talk About Password Security With Kids
• How to Talk About Digital Privacy with Kids
• How to Explain Loot Boxes and In-Game Purchases to Kids
• How to Explain Data Breaches to Kids
• How to Talk AI and Deepfakes with Children