VPNs and Your Kids: What Parents Should Know
Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are tools that change how internet connections work. When someone uses a VPN, their internet traffic is sent through an encrypted tunnel and routed through a server in another location. This can make it appear as if the user is browsing from a different place. VPNs are legal, widely used by adults for privacy, and are even recommended for safe browsing on public Wi-Fi. At the same time, VPNs can complicate how parents and schools monitor online activity.
Why Teens Use VPNs
Many teens learn about VPNs from friends or social media. Common reasons include:
Accessing blocked apps or websites on school networks
Avoiding filters that limit gaming, chat, or streaming
Hiding online behavior from parents or teachers
Believing that VPNs make them “invisible” online
Benefits of VPNs
VPNs are not inherently dangerous. In fact, they serve important purposes:
Privacy protection: VPNs prevent advertisers, internet service providers, and hackers from seeing a user’s browsing activity.
Safer public Wi-Fi: On networks like those in airports or coffee shops, VPNs reduce the risk of stolen passwords and personal data.
Freedom of access: VPNs allow adults to reach resources that may be restricted in certain regions, including news or communication tools.
Concerns for Parents
When kids use VPNs, parental controls and monitoring can become less effective.
Bypassing filters: Content filters on devices, routers, or apps can be bypassed if traffic is hidden inside the VPN tunnel.
Monitoring gaps: Platforms like Bark, Qustodio, or Family Link often rely on monitoring traffic or detecting blocked sites. A VPN may make it appear as if no risky browsing is happening.
Hidden location: Some VPNs mask the user’s real location, which can disable location-based alerts or safety tools.
Can Parents Detect VPN Use?
Yes, there are signs that suggest a VPN is active:
Strange location data: If an app shows your child’s location as another country, they may be using a VPN.
Blocked connections: Some school or home networks may block VPN traffic. If a device suddenly cannot connect to Wi-Fi unless the VPN is turned off, that is a red flag.
Battery and speed changes: VPNs can slow down internet speed and drain battery life more quickly.
Parents can also check devices directly:
On iPhones and iPads, look in Settings > VPN to see if a profile is installed.
On Android, open Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.
Many VPN apps appear clearly on the home screen or app drawer.
A Balanced Approach
VPNs are tools, not threats. Used responsibly, they improve privacy and security. The problem comes when teens use them to avoid age-appropriate boundaries. Parents should focus on open conversations rather than only technical blocks. Explaining why limits exist, and reviewing device settings regularly, helps families strike a balance between privacy and safety.
