{"id":99442,"date":"2026-01-22T14:53:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T14:53:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/?p=99442"},"modified":"2026-01-22T15:49:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T15:49:44","slug":"protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/","title":{"rendered":"Online hoaxes and your child: 6 practical tips to keep them safe"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concerns about internet hoaxes, scams, and pranks continue to grow, especially where kids are concerned. You may have heard about the \u201cMomo\u201d Challenge or the \u201cSleepy Chicken\u201d Challenge; or of kids being scammed into giving out financial information on Roblox and other games. As the internet has become a place where kids spend a significant amount of time, they have become a major target for people causing harm. Parents need to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect children from the confusion, fear, and tangible risks that can result.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Internet hoaxes explained<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike traditional misinformation or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/fake-news-teach-kids\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fake news<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>hoaxes often rely on shock value, fear, or peer pressure.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some appear as weird stories, some as challenges, and others as messages urging kids to keep secrets or take actions they don\u2019t fully understand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An infamous example of an internet hoax is the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2019\/feb\/28\/schools-police-and-media-told-to-stop-promoting-momo-hoax\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMomo Challenge\u201d<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from 2019. It included a frightening image paired with claims that children were being manipulated into harmful behaviors. While investigations found no evidence that the challenge caused actual harm, the panic surrounding it shows us that children don\u2019t need a real threat to feel unsafe. The perception of threat alone can be distressing \u2013 and can cause these things to spread.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The good news is that <\/span><b>protecting kids from online hoaxes doesn\u2019t require parents to be tech experts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or to constantly monitor every click. Like most other things online, it comes down to clear rules, ongoing communication, and practical digital safety habits that children can use when something doesn\u2019t feel right.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Why hoaxes and pranks can be especially harmful for kids<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As children are still developing the ability to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S2352250X23001987\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">assess risk, evaluate credibility, and manage strong emotions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, online hoaxes can exploit these vulnerabilities by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using scary or urgent language like \u201cDo this now\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t tell your parents\u201d.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appearing in spaces kids trust like games, videos, or messaging apps.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spreading quickly through peers which makes them seem more real or important.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research shows that children express <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0747563225000974\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">confidence in their ability to detect false information online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but the reality is that <\/span><b>they are highly prone to believing and sharing <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/teach-kids-critical-thinking\/\"><b>false or misleading online content<\/b><\/a><b>.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is especially true when the content triggers strong emotions or comes from peers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s why prevention needs to focus less on debunking every new hoax and more on teaching kids what to do when they encounter something confusing or uncomfortable online.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2026\/01\/22142550\/2026-01-Blog-How-to-protect-your-child-from-internet-hoaxes_Inside-Image.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Teenage boy using smart phone&#8221; title_text=&#8221;2026-01-%91Blog%93-How-to-protect-your-child-from-internet-hoaxes_Inside-Image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<h2><b>6 practical ways parents can protect kids from online hoaxes<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>1. Teach them never to share personal information online<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most important things kids need to understand is what counts as personal information and why it needs to stay private.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure your child knows they should never share these kinds of information online or via messaging apps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their full name<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home address<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">School name<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phone number<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passwords<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photos that show identifying details<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Location information<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial information<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explain that even if someone seems friendly, funny, or familiar, personal information should only be shared with trusted people they know in real life, and never with strangers online. Reinforce that no legitimate game, challenge, or video will ever require personal or financial information to participate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Revisit this conversation regularly as kids grow and begin using new platforms \u2013 even teens need reminders about this as they navigate new spaces online. Encourage them to come to you if they think there is a valid reason for them to share information like this, so you can help them decide what to do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>2. Make \u201ctell an adult\u201d a non-negotiable rule<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most powerful protective factors for children online is knowing they can (and should) tell a trusted adult if something doesn\u2019t feel right.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teach your child to come to you if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They see something scary or upsetting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Someone asks them to keep a secret online<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They\u2019re encouraged to do something risky or to share personal information<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They feel pressured, confused, or uncomfortable in any way<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell them explicitly that they will not get in trouble for telling you. Many hoaxes rely on secrecy or fear of punishment to keep kids silent. When children trust that adults will respond calmly and supportively, they\u2019re far more likely to speak up early.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>3. Keep an eye on what your child is doing online<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parental awareness absolutely matters when it comes to what kids are doing online. This awareness doesn\u2019t have to feel invasive, but it does show interest, involvement, and a responsibility to keep kids safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practical steps include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing which apps, games, and platforms your child uses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding who they interact with online<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being aware of trends or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/talking-to-your-child-about-tiktok-challenges\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">challenges circulating<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> among kids their age<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Periodically checking privacy and safety settings together<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An all-in-one <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">parental control solution<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as Qustodio, allows parents to keep an eye on their child\u2019s online activity, receive alerts when their child sends or receives a concerning message, set daily time limits for, or block, specific apps, and more.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>4. Use parental controls as a safety net, not a substitute<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parental controls are most effective when they\u2019re used as part of a broader safety plan. They should be used to do things like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limit access to age-inappropriate content<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restrict communication with unknown contacts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manage time spent on high-risk platforms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Receive alerts about concerning activity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You also need to explain to your children why parental controls are required on their devices. Framing them as protection, not punishment, helps kids understand that boundaries are about safety and not mistrust.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>5. Teach kids to pause before clicking, sharing, or participating<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many hoaxes and pranks rely on urgency: \u201cDo this now,\u201d \u201cShare this before it disappears,\u201d \u201cDon\u2019t tell anyone.\u201d <\/span><b>Teach kids a simple rule: Pause before you click, share, or act.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage them to ask:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does this sound too extreme or scary?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is someone telling me to keep a secret?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Would I feel okay telling my parent about this?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children and teens are naturally impulsive, so even a brief pause can prevent them from getting pulled into something harmful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>6. Stay calm<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When parents react with panic or alarm, children may become frightened or stop sharing what they see online. If your child mentions a hoax, scary story, or requests from strangers:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank them for telling you<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask questions calmly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check reliable sources together<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reassure them that they are safe and you will help them figure it out<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using events like hoaxes or online pranks as teaching moments builds kids\u2019 confidence and resilience online and helps keep them safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Online hoaxes: final thoughts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The internet will continue to evolve, and so will the hoaxes, pranks, and viral tricks that circulate within it. Regardless of what potentially harmful thing emerges next, the core strategies for protecting our kids remain the same: <\/span><b>clear rules, open communication, parental awareness\/monitoring, and supportive boundaries<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When children know how to protect their personal information, feel safe telling adults when something goes wrong, and see their parents as partners in their digital lives, they are much better equipped to navigate the online world safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Concerns about internet hoaxes, scams, and pranks continue to grow, especially where kids are concerned. You may have heard about the \u201cMomo\u201d Challenge or the \u201cSleepy Chicken\u201d Challenge; or of kids being scammed into giving out financial information on Roblox and other games. As the internet has become a place where kids spend a significant [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":99501,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[301,296,295],"class_list":["post-99442","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-parenting-tips","tag-how-tos","tag-online-safety","tag-online-trends"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.8 (Yoast SEO v25.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Online hoaxes and your child: 6 practical tips to keep them safe | Qustodio<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Kids are major targets for online hoaxes, scams, and pranks. Child psychologist Dr. Beurkens shares 6 ways parents can protect their kids.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Online hoaxes and your child: 6 practical tips to keep them safe\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Kids are major targets for online hoaxes, scams, and pranks. Child psychologist Dr. Beurkens shares 6 ways parents can protect their kids.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Qustodio\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-22T14:53:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-22T15:49:44+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2026\/01\/22145515\/2026-01-Blog-How-to-protect-your-child-from-internet-hoaxes_Thumbnail.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1029\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Dr. Nicole Beurkens\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Dr. Nicole Beurkens\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/\",\"name\":\"Online hoaxes and your child: 6 practical tips to keep them safe | Qustodio\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2026\/01\/22145515\/2026-01-Blog-How-to-protect-your-child-from-internet-hoaxes_Thumbnail.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-22T14:53:17+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-22T15:49:44+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/7330fec42e3ff462f52386794c7e8f8b\"},\"description\":\"Kids are major targets for online hoaxes, scams, and pranks. Child psychologist Dr. Beurkens shares 6 ways parents can protect their kids.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2026\/01\/22145515\/2026-01-Blog-How-to-protect-your-child-from-internet-hoaxes_Thumbnail.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2026\/01\/22145515\/2026-01-Blog-How-to-protect-your-child-from-internet-hoaxes_Thumbnail.png\",\"width\":1029,\"height\":720},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Parenting tips\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/category\/parenting-tips\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Online hoaxes and your child: 6 practical tips to keep them safe\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Qustodio\",\"description\":\"Free parental control app\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/7330fec42e3ff462f52386794c7e8f8b\",\"name\":\"Dr. Nicole Beurkens\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2025\/04\/01104518\/DrNicoleBeurkens-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2025\/04\/01104518\/DrNicoleBeurkens-1.png\",\"caption\":\"Dr. Nicole Beurkens\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/author\/nicole-beurkens\/\",\"jobTitle\":\"Child psychologist\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Online hoaxes and your child: 6 practical tips to keep them safe | Qustodio","description":"Kids are major targets for online hoaxes, scams, and pranks. Child psychologist Dr. Beurkens shares 6 ways parents can protect their kids.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Online hoaxes and your child: 6 practical tips to keep them safe","og_description":"Kids are major targets for online hoaxes, scams, and pranks. Child psychologist Dr. Beurkens shares 6 ways parents can protect their kids.","og_url":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/","og_site_name":"Qustodio","article_published_time":"2026-01-22T14:53:17+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-01-22T15:49:44+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1029,"height":720,"url":"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2026\/01\/22145515\/2026-01-Blog-How-to-protect-your-child-from-internet-hoaxes_Thumbnail.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Dr. Nicole Beurkens","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Dr. Nicole Beurkens","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/","url":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/","name":"Online hoaxes and your child: 6 practical tips to keep them safe | Qustodio","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2026\/01\/22145515\/2026-01-Blog-How-to-protect-your-child-from-internet-hoaxes_Thumbnail.png","datePublished":"2026-01-22T14:53:17+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-22T15:49:44+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/7330fec42e3ff462f52386794c7e8f8b"},"description":"Kids are major targets for online hoaxes, scams, and pranks. Child psychologist Dr. Beurkens shares 6 ways parents can protect their kids.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2026\/01\/22145515\/2026-01-Blog-How-to-protect-your-child-from-internet-hoaxes_Thumbnail.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2026\/01\/22145515\/2026-01-Blog-How-to-protect-your-child-from-internet-hoaxes_Thumbnail.png","width":1029,"height":720},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/protect-your-child-from-online-hoaxes\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Parenting tips","item":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/category\/parenting-tips\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Online hoaxes and your child: 6 practical tips to keep them safe"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/","name":"Qustodio","description":"Free parental control app","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/7330fec42e3ff462f52386794c7e8f8b","name":"Dr. Nicole Beurkens","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2025\/04\/01104518\/DrNicoleBeurkens-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2025\/04\/01104518\/DrNicoleBeurkens-1.png","caption":"Dr. Nicole Beurkens"},"url":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/author\/nicole-beurkens\/","jobTitle":"Child psychologist"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99442"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99442\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99500,"href":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99442\/revisions\/99500"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99501"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99442"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99442"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}