Mastering Internet Games: Tips for Thriving in the Online Playground

Navigating the Digital World: A Guide for Parents and Teens

The digital screen has become an integral part of daily life for children and adolescents. They learn, play, communicate with friends, and explore the world through these devices. However, within this familiar environment lurk hidden risks—such as making purchases on fraudulent websites, engaging with individuals who misrepresent themselves, or sharing images without caution.

As the internet serves as both a playground and a classroom, it also exposes young users to various dangers. Martín Vigo, founder of cybersecurity firm Triskel Security, emphasizes the importance of guiding children in navigating this digital landscape safely. He asks, “Would we let our 10-year-old roam alone in the city for five hours? Just as we teach them to look both ways before crossing the street or to avoid talking to strangers, we must educate them on how to navigate the web.”

The innocence, need for social belonging, and increasing exposure to technology have heightened the vulnerability of minors in an environment designed to capture their attention. Scientific consensus suggests that electronic devices should not be recommended for children under five, with organizations like Pantallas Amigas advocating to postpone access until the age of seven. They propose a gradual introduction, allowing limited internet time starting around age eight, basic phones at age eleven, and smart phones by age thirteen or fourteen, always under supervision.

Risks in the Digital Realm: From Video Games to Social Media

With increased digital independence comes the potential for poor decision-making—accepting requests, clicking links, making in-game purchases, or responding to unfamiliar messages. These seemingly innocent actions can be exploited by scammers targeting children and teenagers.

Identity Theft and Phishing

• In Video Games: Many minors engage in online gaming with friends, but these platforms can also introduce them to unknown individuals. Scammers may pose as fellow players, moderators, or official game profiles. Initially building trust, they later lure victims with irresistible offers—virtual coins, character accessories, or exclusive skins—often requiring the victim to click a deceptive link that mimics the game's official website. By entering their credentials, users risk losing access to their accounts and potentially endangering their personal and banking information.
• On Social Media: Children may receive enticing messages about discounts, giveaways, or exclusive access. Clicking these links often leads to either data collection forms or malware downloads.

Online Grooming

Some dangers may not be immediately apparent. Manipulators often start with seemingly innocent conversations, posing as peers to gain trust before escalating to sexual discussions and the sharing of explicit images. This manipulation, known as grooming, can also involve threats of disseminating real or AI-generated images if demands are not met.

Dangerous Viral Challenges

Social media frequently promotes challenges encouraging users to record and share their participation. While many are harmless, some can involve humiliation, violence, or risky behaviors aimed at garnering attention. Each view and interaction contributes to a business model focused on maintaining consumer attention.

Preventing Online Scams

The foremost strategy is to establish an open and respectful dialogue between adults and minors while staying informed about the websites and platforms they visit. According to Patricia Aramayo, a member of the Spanish Youth Council, many adults are unaware of their children's activities online due to time constraints. Rather than simply imposing controls, organizations like Pantallas Amigas advocate for involvement.

Guidelines for Parents of Children Aged 7 to 10

• Share online experiences. Help them understand what they are doing when gaming, watching videos, or using apps.
• Select websites and games together.
• Implement parental controls and content filters, especially for games and app purchases.
• Discuss potential online scams in simple terms.
• Instruct them never to share personal information without permission.
• Engage in casual discussions about their online experiences without sounding interrogative.
• Set clear usage times based on family routines.

For Teens Aged 11 to 14: Balancing Autonomy with Clear Limits

• Agree on specific rules regarding screen time, online purchases, and social media interactions.
• Clarify that attractive offers may be scams.
• Teach them to verify links and be cautious of messages from unknown individuals.
• Encourage them to keep personal details private and not to share passwords.
• Disable automatic purchases and secure payments with parental authorization.
• Create an environment where they feel comfortable reporting uncomfortable experiences without fear of punishment.
• Review their profile privacy settings together.

For Teens Aged 15 and Up: Encouraging Responsibility and Trust

• Discuss the concept of a digital footprint and its implications.
• Talk about online relationships, consent, peer pressure, and emotional manipulation.
• Reassure them that asking for help is a positive step toward self-protection.
• Urge them to verify offers or promotions before sharing personal data.
• Advocate for strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Teach them to recognize warning signs, such as urgent demands for payment or secrecy.
• Respect their autonomy while ensuring they know adults are available for assistance if needed.

Overall, ensuring that minors realize they can seek help without fear is crucial, as many scams and harassment situations escalate due to feelings of embarrassment or shame. Trust between adults and children serves as an additional layer of protection.

Using Artificial Intelligence Responsibly in the Lives of Minors

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a commonplace tool in the lives of many children and adolescents. They utilize AI for educational tools, entertainment apps, and instant responses, oftentimes lacking a comprehensive understanding of its workings and limitations.

Organizations like UNICEF stress the importance of developing AI with a focus on children's rights, security, and well-being. Richard Benjamins, co-founder of OdiseIA, advocates for teaching responsible AI use rather than outright prohibiting it for minors.

How Minors Use AI

• Studying and Learning: Summarizing notes, simplifying topics, preparing outlines, and practicing for exams.
• Developing Skills: Learning languages, coding, improving writing, and rehearsing presentations.
• Information Retrieval: Quickly obtaining concise answers and comparing information.
• Creating Content: Editing images and videos, writing stories or scripts, and designing websites or presentations.
• Emotional Support: Seeking advice on friendships, rehearsing difficult conversations, or confiding in a trusted format.

Risks Associated with AI

• May diminish critical thinking skills, offering immediate answers that discourage deeper reflection.
• Can foster dependency on technology for daily questions and decisions.
• May lead to social isolation when replacing real-life interactions with AI conversations.
• Can expose minors to inappropriate content if used unsupervised.
• Facilitates identity theft through the manipulation of personal data and digital content.

Responsible AI Usage

• Encourage minors to engage in independent critical thinking rather than relying solely on AI.
• Make clear that AI may produce misleading or incomplete information, necessitating cross-referencing with trustworthy sources.
• Instruct them not to share personal information with AI tools.
• Set limits on AI usage to prevent dependency while promoting concentration and autonomy.
• Clarify that AI is not a substitute for human relationships or support.
• Foster critical evaluation of all online content, especially considering AI's potential for alteration.
• Encourage open communication about potential misuse, including reporting incidents of identity theft or harassment to trusted adults.

Your Bank's Role in Identifying Online Threats

As children and teenagers navigate the internet, many risky situations can begin with seemingly harmless actions—clicking on links promising free virtual currency, engaging with peers online, or sharing images without caution. A well-informed family is better prepared to recognize warning signs indicating that something is amiss. Recognizing these details promptly can be crucial in preventing digital scams or seeking help before issues escalate.

Banco Santander actively provides awareness campaigns and practical recommendations to help users operate online more securely. They advise families and minors on how to identify threats such as phishing and identity theft across digital platforms. For any suspicious communication, Santander offers official channels for clarification: suspected SMS can be sent to 638 444 542, and doubtful emails to phishing@gruposantander.es. Users can also inquire about these issues through the Superlínea at 915 123 123, in their branches, or via the Help Center in the app and online banking, available 24/7.

Banco Santander offers a direct WhatsApp channel for clients, providing cybersecurity advice, updates, and alerts regarding online scams.