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    <channel><title>Consumer Insights</title><description>News, views and insights from the Bitdefender experts</description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/</link><image><url>https://download.bitdefender.com/resources/images/favicon/favicon-32x32.png</url><title>Consumer Insights</title><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/</link></image><generator>Bitdefender Blog</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:28:23 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.bitdefender.com/nuxt/api/en-us/rss/hotforsecurity/family/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><ttl>1800</ttl><item><title>Grandparents Day reminder: Help protect grandma and grandpa from scams</title><description><![CDATA[Grandparents would do almost anything for their children and grandchildren. Scammers exploit that love, taking older adults on an emotional rollercoaster and pushing them to act before they have a chance to question the story.

This Grandparents Day, make time for more than a card or phone call. Talk frankly about scams, AI-generated voices and deepfakes, and agree on a simple plan your family can use when an alarming message arrives.


Key takeaways

 * Grandparent scams create a fake family em]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/grandparents-day-2026-scam-reminder</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa14be38beeea9658029ad5</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Alina BÎZGĂ</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:28:42 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/09/Grandparents-Day-reminder-Help-protect-grandma-and-grandpa-from-scams.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[Grandparents would do almost anything for their children and grandchildren. Scammers exploit that love, taking older adults on an emotional rollercoaster and pushing them to act before they have a chance to question the story.

This Grandparents Day, make time for more than a card or phone call. Talk frankly about scams, AI-generated voices and deepfakes, and agree on a simple plan your family can use when an alarming message arrives.


Key takeaways

 * Grandparent scams create a fake family em]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Your child’s first Gmail account: How to set it up and keep it safe</title><description><![CDATA[Your child wants to play a new game, download an app, or create an account on a platform their friends already use. Then comes the request: I need an email address.

For many families, that first email address will be a Gmail account. And while creating one may feel like a small step, it can quickly become the key to your child’s digital life.

Here's how to set it up safely from the start.


Key takeaways:

 * A Gmail account can become the key to many parts of your child’s digital life, from g]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/gmail-safety-for-kids</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a9006cb8beeea9658029530</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Cristina POPOV</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:24:08 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/Your-child-s-first-Gmail-account.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[Your child wants to play a new game, download an app, or create an account on a platform their friends already use. Then comes the request: I need an email address.

For many families, that first email address will be a Gmail account. And while creating one may feel like a small step, it can quickly become the key to your child’s digital life.

Here's how to set it up safely from the start.


Key takeaways:

 * A Gmail account can become the key to many parts of your child’s digital life, from g]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Should children watch TV or screens while eating? A therapist explains</title><description><![CDATA[Parents often use screens during meals because they work. Children stay seated, eat even when picky, and everyone avoids conflict. It can make meals easier, especially after a long day.

But while this may solve today's dinner, could it create problems in the long run?

We asked clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioral psychotherapist Anca Ivu to explain how watching TV or using screens during meals can affect children.

Here's what parents need to know.


Key takeaways

 * Regular screen ]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/children-screens-while-eating</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8ff9198beeea96580294ff</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Cristina POPOV</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:43:05 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/Should-children-watch-TV-or-screens-while-eating.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[Parents often use screens during meals because they work. Children stay seated, eat even when picky, and everyone avoids conflict. It can make meals easier, especially after a long day.

But while this may solve today's dinner, could it create problems in the long run?

We asked clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioral psychotherapist Anca Ivu to explain how watching TV or using screens during meals can affect children.

Here's what parents need to know.


Key takeaways

 * Regular screen ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Back-to-school cybersecurity checklist for parents and students</title><description><![CDATA[Back-to-school season is here again.

New school year, new routines, new devices and plenty to organize. While you're working through the usual back-to-school list, it's a good time to check how your family is protecting its accounts, devices, money and personal information online.


Key takeaways

 * Back-to-school scams can hide in everyday activities. Think shopping deals, delivery messages, school emails, rentals, jobs and student discounts.
 * Slow down whenever money or personal informatio]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/back-to-school-cybersecurity-checklist-families</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8ed0f38beeea9658029493</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Alina BÎZGĂ</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:12:42 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/Back-to-school-cybersecurity-checklist.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[Back-to-school season is here again.

New school year, new routines, new devices and plenty to organize. While you're working through the usual back-to-school list, it's a good time to check how your family is protecting its accounts, devices, money and personal information online.


Key takeaways

 * Back-to-school scams can hide in everyday activities. Think shopping deals, delivery messages, school emails, rentals, jobs and student discounts.
 * Slow down whenever money or personal informatio]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>TikTok pays $400 million to settle children’s privacy case</title><description><![CDATA[TikTok and parent company ByteDance have agreed to pay $400 million to settle US government allegations that the video-sharing platform collected and retained children’s personal information without parental consent.

The settlement resolves litigation brought by the US Department of Justice following an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It ranks among the largest recoveries ever secured in a case involving the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), according to the]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/tiktok-400-million-childrens-privacy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8da3198beeea96580293e3</guid><category><![CDATA[Industry News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Filip TRUȚĂ</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:19:09 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/tiktok-children-case.jpg" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[TikTok and parent company ByteDance have agreed to pay $400 million to settle US government allegations that the video-sharing platform collected and retained children’s personal information without parental consent.

The settlement resolves litigation brought by the US Department of Justice following an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It ranks among the largest recoveries ever secured in a case involving the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), according to the]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Is your child ready for ride-sharing apps? What parents should know</title><description><![CDATA[A recent survey found that parents spend nearly 7,000 minutes a year driving their children to school, sports practices, and other activities. An average of 38 minutes a day for 180-day school year adds up to 6,858 minutes,  the equivalent of nearly 15 eight-hour workdays spent behind the wheel.

It's no surprise that as children grow older and become more independent, many families start wondering whether ride-sharing apps could help lighten the load.

Before saying yes, here's what parents sho]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/child-ride-sharing-safety</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8d48768beeea96580292ed</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Cristina POPOV</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 07:54:26 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/Is-your-child-ready-for-ride-sharing-apps.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[A recent survey found that parents spend nearly 7,000 minutes a year driving their children to school, sports practices, and other activities. An average of 38 minutes a day for 180-day school year adds up to 6,858 minutes,  the equivalent of nearly 15 eight-hour workdays spent behind the wheel.

It's no surprise that as children grow older and become more independent, many families start wondering whether ride-sharing apps could help lighten the load.

Before saying yes, here's what parents sho]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Can a VPN bypass age verification?</title><description><![CDATA[As more websites begin requiring age verification, many people wonder whether a VPN can help them get around these checks.

Our advice: don't use a VPN to try to bypass age verification.

These checks exist for a reason: they help keep age-restricted content away from minors and help platforms comply with child-safety and other legal requirements. A VPN can change your apparent location and hide your IP address, but it can't prove your age, verify your identity, or make those safeguards disappea]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/vpn-bypass-age-verification</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a883abb8beeea965802921c</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Cristina POPOV</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:52:20 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/Can-a-VPN-bypass-age-verification.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[As more websites begin requiring age verification, many people wonder whether a VPN can help them get around these checks.

Our advice: don't use a VPN to try to bypass age verification.

These checks exist for a reason: they help keep age-restricted content away from minors and help platforms comply with child-safety and other legal requirements. A VPN can change your apparent location and hide your IP address, but it can't prove your age, verify your identity, or make those safeguards disappea]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>How to tell if your teen has a secret social media account</title><description><![CDATA[As countries introduce stricter age verification and social media restrictions for younger users, some teens may look for ways around the rules, including creating accounts their parents don't know about.

If you're wondering whether your teen has a secret social media account, here are the signs to watch for and how to address the situation without damaging trust, with insights from clinical psychologist and CBT psychotherapist Anca Ivu.


Key takeaways:

 * Teens may create secret social media]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/secret-social-media-account-teen</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8838418beeea96580291f5</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><category><![CDATA[How to]]></category><dc:creator>Cristina POPOV</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:46:14 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/How-to-tell-if-your-teen-has-a-secret-social-media-account.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[As countries introduce stricter age verification and social media restrictions for younger users, some teens may look for ways around the rules, including creating accounts their parents don't know about.

If you're wondering whether your teen has a secret social media account, here are the signs to watch for and how to address the situation without damaging trust, with insights from clinical psychologist and CBT psychotherapist Anca Ivu.


Key takeaways:

 * Teens may create secret social media]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Australia gives Roblox 3 months to strengthen child safety amid grooming concerns</title><description><![CDATA[Australia has moved to strengthen Roblox child safety procedures after the country’s online safety regulator discovered gaps that could permit strangers to contact kids and view parts of their profiles without parental consent.]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/australia-roblox-3-months-safety</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8707948beeea96580291c4</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Silviu STAHIE</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:14:14 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/11333328-fortnite-4129124.jpg" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[Australia has moved to strengthen Roblox child safety procedures after the country’s online safety regulator discovered gaps that could permit strangers to contact kids and view parts of their profiles without parental consent.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>How to calm tantrums without screens, according to a therapist</title><description><![CDATA[Tantrums, boredom, frustration, tears. Every parent knows that handing a child a phone or tablet can feel like the fastest way to calm them down. And it usually works.

 But what happens when this becomes the default response?

We spoke with clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioral psychotherapist Anca Ivu about why screens are so effective at stopping tantrums, what children may miss when they rely on them to regulate emotions, and what parents can do instead.


Key takeaways

 * Relying ]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/calm-tantrums-without-screens</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a82f5168beeea9658028d68</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Cristina POPOV</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:56:56 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/How-to-calm-tantrums-without-screens--according-to-a-therapist--1-.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[Tantrums, boredom, frustration, tears. Every parent knows that handing a child a phone or tablet can feel like the fastest way to calm them down. And it usually works.

 But what happens when this becomes the default response?

We spoke with clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioral psychotherapist Anca Ivu about why screens are so effective at stopping tantrums, what children may miss when they rely on them to regulate emotions, and what parents can do instead.


Key takeaways

 * Relying ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Should you use parental controls during school holidays?</title><description><![CDATA[School holidays usually mean more free time, fewer routines, sleepovers, travel, and often more time spent on phones, tablets, gaming, and social media. Whether it's summer, winter, or another school break, many parents find themselves asking the same question: Should they relax digital rules or keep the same boundaries they have during the school year?

According to clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioral psychotherapist Anca Ivu, a little more flexibility is perfectly normal. But how mu]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/parental-controls-school-holidays</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a82f33c8beeea9658028d40</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Cristina POPOV</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:46:31 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/Should-you-use-parental-controls-during-school-holidays.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[School holidays usually mean more free time, fewer routines, sleepovers, travel, and often more time spent on phones, tablets, gaming, and social media. Whether it's summer, winter, or another school break, many parents find themselves asking the same question: Should they relax digital rules or keep the same boundaries they have during the school year?

According to clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioral psychotherapist Anca Ivu, a little more flexibility is perfectly normal. But how mu]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Have screens replaced toys? How to find the right balance for your child</title><description><![CDATA[Have screens replaced toys? Not exactly. But they have changed the way many children play. Here's why different types of play still matter, and how parents can help children find a healthy balance.


Key takeaways

 * Children need different types of play, not just screen time or traditional toys.
 * Gaming can be a healthy form of play when it encourages creativity, problem-solving, or social interaction.
 * Healthy play changes as children grow, but it remains essential throughout childhood an]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/have-screens-replaced-toys</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a7b41d78beeea9658028aca</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Cristina POPOV</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:53:52 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/Have-screens-replaced-toys-How-to-find-the-right-balance-for-your-child.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[Have screens replaced toys? Not exactly. But they have changed the way many children play. Here's why different types of play still matter, and how parents can help children find a healthy balance.


Key takeaways

 * Children need different types of play, not just screen time or traditional toys.
 * Gaming can be a healthy form of play when it encourages creativity, problem-solving, or social interaction.
 * Healthy play changes as children grow, but it remains essential throughout childhood an]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>How to teach your child online safety without scaring them</title><description><![CDATA[Many parents worry about online predators, scams, cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and social media pressure. It's natural to want to protect your child.

But if every conversation about the internet focuses on danger, children may become anxious, hide their online experiences, or avoid telling parents when something goes wrong because they're afraid they'll get into trouble.

So how do you teach children to recognize online risks, make good decisions, and come to you when something goes wr]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/how-to-teach-your-child-online-safety-without-scaring-them</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a74d4d98beeea9658028826</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><category><![CDATA[How to]]></category><dc:creator>Cristina POPOV</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:45:29 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/How-to-teach-your-child-online-safety-without-scaring-them.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[Many parents worry about online predators, scams, cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and social media pressure. It's natural to want to protect your child.

But if every conversation about the internet focuses on danger, children may become anxious, hide their online experiences, or avoid telling parents when something goes wrong because they're afraid they'll get into trouble.

So how do you teach children to recognize online risks, make good decisions, and come to you when something goes wr]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>What to do if your child receives hurtful comments online</title><description><![CDATA[Whether it's a comment about their appearance, clothes, weight, interests, or the number of likes they received, hurtful words online can stay with children long after they close the app.

As a parent, it's natural to want to protect your child, defend them, or make the problem disappear immediately. But according to psychologists, your first reaction can make a significant difference in how your child processes the experience.

Here's how you can help.


Key takeaways:

 * Hurtful comments onli]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/child-receives-hurtful-comments-online</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a74c0af8beeea96580287f9</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Cristina POPOV</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:38:34 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/What-to-do-if-your-child-receives-hurtful-comments-online.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[Whether it's a comment about their appearance, clothes, weight, interests, or the number of likes they received, hurtful words online can stay with children long after they close the app.

As a parent, it's natural to want to protect your child, defend them, or make the problem disappear immediately. But according to psychologists, your first reaction can make a significant difference in how your child processes the experience.

Here's how you can help.


Key takeaways:

 * Hurtful comments onli]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Should you let your child post selfies online? What parents should know</title><description><![CDATA[At some point, most children will ask if they can post a selfie, a photo, or a video of themselves online. If you're not sure when to allow it, or how to decide whether your child is ready, this article is for you.

Because sharing photos online isn't just about privacy settings or stranger danger. It also involves self-esteem, emotional maturity, social pressure, and understanding what can happen once a photo enters the digital world.

To better understand when children are ready to share selfi]]></description><link>https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/kids-posting-selfies-online</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a7308038beeea965802878a</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Safety]]></category><dc:creator>Cristina POPOV</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:56:35 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/images/2026/08/Should-you-let-your-child-post-selfies-online.png" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[At some point, most children will ask if they can post a selfie, a photo, or a video of themselves online. If you're not sure when to allow it, or how to decide whether your child is ready, this article is for you.

Because sharing photos online isn't just about privacy settings or stranger danger. It also involves self-esteem, emotional maturity, social pressure, and understanding what can happen once a photo enters the digital world.

To better understand when children are ready to share selfi]]></content:encoded></item></channel>
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