Stop kids getting around controls with VPNs

What are they?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. There are a number of VPN companies, but they all do the same thing: let you access the web privately by routing your connection through a server to hide your online actions and location. A VPN can be installed on a smartphone, tablet or computer. This article focuses on phones.

Why use them?

Adults use VPNs to connect to a work-related server, or to guard their online privacy. Kids use them to get around parental controls or school wi-fi filters.

If you’ve enabled the ‘Limit Adult Websites’ option on your child’s iPhone, or enabled ‘Safe Search’ on their Android phone, BUT haven’t removed access to App Store or Google Play, your child can download a VPN app. This means they can cut through content restrictions.

How commonly are they used?

According to Cybercrew (2022) 44% of UK internet users have used a VPN at some point.

We don’t know how many of these are under 18.

Is my child using a VPN on their phone?

Firstly ask them. However if they say no and you’re still suspicious, go through these steps with them.

On an iPhone, type ‘VPN’ into their search bar. This will show any VPN apps on their device.

Alternatively, you can go to the App Store on their phone and type in VPN. If an app says ‘OPEN,’ next to it, you’ll know it’s still on their phone. Any app that says ‘GET’ hasn’t been downloaded.

For an Android device, tap the icon on the main screen that houses the apps. This might be a white circle with six dots in it. Then go to the Google Play store and investigate from there. Any that say ‘Uninstall’ or ‘Open,’ mean that app is on the phone.

What to do

Delete the VPN app. This bit should be straightforward!

Now you want to prevent your child from downloading apps – and therefore VPNs – without your agreement. This video shows you how to (on an iPhone – we will add the Android version soon).