Washington, D.C. – The Federal Trade Commission is urging families to take practical steps to improve the safety of children’s phones, tablets and laptops, emphasizing simple measures that can reduce the risk of hacking, scams and unauthorized access.
FTC officials advise enabling automatic updates on every device a child uses so operating systems, web browsers and apps stay protected against new security threats. Officials also recommend creating strong, unique passwords for each device and account. For older kids and teenagers, the agency notes that password managers or built in password generators can help maintain secure credentials, and officials remind families that devices should not be left unattended in public places.
According to the FTC, securing the home wi fi network is another critical step. Agency officials recommend changing the router’s default name and password, turning off remote management features and logging out of the administrator account once setup is complete.
FTC officials also highlight the value of parental controls, noting that they can support safer online behavior and limit exposure to inappropriate content. The controls can also help manage spending by disabling in app purchases or requiring a password before any purchase is made on a phone or tablet.
More information on protecting children online, along with guidance on safety, privacy and healthy digital habits, is available at ftc.gov/KidsOnline.
