Safer Internet Day 2025 takes place today on February 11th, focusing on the theme “Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online.” With scammers using social media, fake websites, and deceptive messages to target young people, online fraud has become a growing threat.  

The rise of digital platforms has created new opportunities for pupils, but it has also introduced significant online risks. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting young users through social media, fake websites, and deceptive messages. The total money lost by teens in online scams grew by nearly 2,500% between 2017 and 2022, with victims under the age of 20 losing a staggering $210 million in 2022 alone. These alarming statistics highlight the importance of education and vigilance in navigating the online world safely. 

Why Are Pupils a Prime Target for Online Scams? 

Teens and tweens are more tech-savvy than previous generations, but their high level of engagement on social media makes them vulnerable. A Pew Research study found that 95% of U.S. teenagers have access to a smartphone, with 45% reporting they are online almost constantly. Unfortunately, this makes them easy targets for social media scams. In fact, research from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) shows that 80% of consumers aged 18-24 have encountered fraudulent online stores, with many teenagers falling victim to non-delivery scams after purchasing from ads on platforms like Instagram or TikTok. 

Identity theft is another major concern. Children under 13 are over 50 times more likely to have their identities stolen than adults. Scammers often use stolen Social Security numbers to open fraudulent accounts, take out loans, or apply for credit cards. In 2017 alone, over a million children were affected by identity fraud, resulting in $2.6 billion in losses and $540 million in out-of-pocket costs for families. 

Common Types of Online Scams Targeting Pupils 

  • Sextortion Scams: From August 2022 to August 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) received an average of 812 reports of sextortion per week. More than two-thirds of these cases involved demands for money, with the median amount requested being $390 and a median payment of $100. Between 3.5% and 5% of people experience sextortion before reaching adulthood, with girls historically more likely to be impacted. 
  • Fake Online Shopping Sites: Scammers create fraudulent e-commerce sites that lure teens into purchasing popular items at discount prices. These sites often disappear after collecting payments, leaving buyers with nothing in return. 
  • Fake Contests and Giveaways: According to a Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) survey, 28% of teens have been victims of fake contest scams, often leading to financial loss or stolen personal data. 
  • Fraudulent Health and Beauty Products: A National Consumer League (NCL) survey found that 20% of teenagers have been tricked into purchasing fake health and beauty products through deceptive ads on Instagram and other social media platforms. 
  • Scholarship Scams: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that one in five pupils receive fake scholarship offers, often requiring fees for financial aid that doesn’t exist. 

The Psychological Toll of Online Scams 

Beyond financial losses, online scams can have serious emotional and psychological impacts. StopBullying.gov found that teens subjected to online scams or harassment are twice as likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, minors who are bullied online are nine times more likely to fall victim to fraud compared to those who are not bullied. These findings emphasize the importance of fostering a supportive environment where pupils feel comfortable reporting scams without fear of judgment or punishment. 

How Kids Can Stay Safe from Online Scams 

The internet is a fun place to play games, learn, and chat with friends, but scammers often try to trick kids into giving away personal information, money, or in-game items. Staying safe means recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to respond. 

  • If something seems too good to be true, like free game items or prizes, it probably is. Scammers use these tricks to steal personal information or get users to click on unsafe links. Always check with a trusted adult before clicking on anything suspicious. Strong passwords are essential for online safety—use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and never share passwords with anyone. 
  • Be cautious when sharing personal information like your name, address, or school. Scammers may pose as friends or trusted companies to get these details. In online games, stick to official trading tools, avoid “trust trades,” and be wary of anyone asking to chat outside the game. Phishing scams—where fraudsters pretend to be legitimate companies—often involve fake emails, messages, or links asking for personal details. If in doubt, don’t click and report the message to a trusted adult. 
  • Before making online purchases, always ask a parent or guardian. Scammers create fake websites or social media ads to steal money. Stick to trusted retailers, check reviews, and avoid deals that seem overly cheap or urgent. Similarly, watch out for fake giveaways—real ones never ask for payment, and scammers often use fake accounts to trick winners. When buying event tickets, use official sites to avoid fraud. 
  • If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and talk to a trusted adult. Reporting scams can help others stay safe—Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and Police Scotland (101) are resources for reporting online fraud. Staying alert, thinking before sharing information, and checking with an adult can help protect you from online scams. 

Netsweeper: A Partner in Online Safety 

As a proud partner of the UK Safer Internet Centre, Netsweeper is committed to protecting children from harmful online content and digital threats. Our advanced web filtering and AI-driven content analysis technology helps schools, governments, and organisations create a safer online experience for pupils. 

With cybercriminals constantly developing new tactics to target young users, Netsweeper’s solutions play a crucial role in safeguarding pupils from online scams, harmful content, and digital exploitation. Our technology: 

  • Blocks fraudulent websites that host phishing scams, fake shopping platforms, and deceptive giveaways. 
  • Identifies and filters out inappropriate content in real time, ensuring pupils are protected from online risks. 
  • Provides schools with customisable filtering controls, allowing educators to tailor online access while maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment. 
  • Supports early detection of online threats, including sextortion scams, identity theft attempts, and fraudulent schemes targeting pupils. 

By integrating real-time protection, AI-driven categorization, and proactive threat detection, Netsweeper empowers schools and educational institutions to create a safer digital space for pupils. On Safer Internet Day 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to working alongside educators, policymakers, and internet safety organisations to help young people stay secure in an increasingly digital world. 

To learn more about how Netsweeper can support your online safety initiatives, contact us here! 

Final Thoughts 

The rapid evolution of digital scams makes it more important than ever for pupils’ parents, and educators to stay informed and proactive. As cybercriminals continue to target young users with increasingly deceptive tactics, raising awareness and promoting digital literacy are essential steps in protecting children online. Beyond financial losses, online scams can have lasting emotional and psychological effects, reinforcing the need for a supportive environment where pupils feel safe to ask for help. 

By fostering open conversations, encouraging critical thinking, and equipping pupils with practical tools to recognize and avoid scams, we can empower them to navigate the digital world safely. Safer Internet Day 2025 serves as an important reminder that online safety is a shared responsibility—one that requires continuous education, vigilance, and collaboration. Together, we can create a safer, more secure internet for future generations. 

For more information on how you can support online safety and make the internet a safer place for all, visit the UK Safer Internet Centre to access educational resources, interactive quizzes, expert tips, and more!