Kids on Dark Web. How to Keep Safe from It?

Since the Internet has grown to be the main source for entertainment, socializing, news, information, and more, we hardly ever think about how it works. It is informative and helpful, however just like a physical playground, there’s scope for harm within the online world, particularly for children who may not be absolutely aware of the threat that sneaks simply under the surface: the Dark Web.

You may be worried about your children going on the Dark web since the press reports it as a dangerous or illegal online activity. This is the part of the World Wide Web that permits users to stay anonymous. However, it isn’t continually used for illicit activity, and the problem no longer comes from the technology itself, rather from the ways how people use it.

What is the Dark Web?

Dark Web- refers to the encrypted area of the Internet that could only be accessed using specific browsers such as the TOR( The Onion Network ) browser. These areas aren’t available on a regular search engine, even though it is accessible to anyone.

Around 2.5 million people in the world use Tor every day. It affords anonymizing software, which may be accessed through a Google search that is downloaded free of charge. However, TOR itself isn’t always the Dark Web; it is a method to browse both the open and Dark web, where no one can track their activity.

The dark web is mainly composed of illegal products or content, some of which may harm society or companies. Some of these malicious items include credit card numbers, guns, and subscriptions. There is even software that allows you to remotely access other people’s computers. There is also access to counterfeit currency, other people’s bank accounts, and hiring hackers. The dark web also consists of drugs, fake weapons, fake IDs, hacking tools, pornography. In short, it’s a place for scammers who often use these sites to steal your information or money.

How is the Dark Web Dangerous For Kids?

The dark web refers to websites that are not indexed and can only be accessed through a dedicated web browser. The dark web, which is much smaller than the small web interface, is considered a part of the deep web. However, the dark web is a very hidden part of the deep web, and few people interact with it or even see it. In other words, the deep web contains everything that is still available under the surface, including the dark web.

Here are some of the serious hazards of the Dark web:

• Empowers ordinary people but some people will inevitably abuse this power.
• Encourages people to commit some serious crimes.
• May face digital issues like ransomware, remote access Trojans or other cyber attacks, phishing, and disclosure of personal or company data, that disrupt the business and reduce brand integrity.
• People use it to invade the privacy of other people like private photos and financial information are stolen and posted on the Dark web.
• Since it has become a platform for buying and selling personal information, it can be dangerous for businesses and individuals, even if they will never be able to access it.

Access to the dark web and the use of tools or services poses a high risk to individuals and businesses. Therefore, in order to use the dark web safely, users must use reliable security software, including anti-virus software and VPN.

Contents Available on Dark Web

The Dark web is used by all kinds of people for various purposes, but mainly for illegal activities. Since children are much more curious about the Dark web, which may lead to some unsolicited risks.

The Dark web contains a variety of unusual content, some of them are as follows:

1. Child Pornography
2. Drug Trafficking
3. Purchase of Illegal weapons
4. Malware
5. Hacking government data

How To Keep Kids Safe From the Dark Web?

If you really want to prevent your children from being exposed to such harmful influences, here are a few measures to protect them against the hazards of the Dark Web:

1.Educate your children

Children often seek help elsewhere when they feel like they’re not getting attention at home. Therefore, you should take some time to start a friendly conversation with your child. Discuss with them their likes/dislikes, interests and worries, and new events in their lives in a non-intrusive way. This will help you develop a practical equation, encourages your children to be more social with you, and teaches you important topics such as drug use, sex, bullying, online communication, and violent behavior.

2.Take your children out for a Trip

The easiest way to relieve stress is to take a vacation. Not only can you stay calm and enjoy your time, but so can your children. Most importantly, you can restrict your child’s Internet access on specific days without any symptoms. Take family vacation photos, plan delicious meals, and spend time with your children to keep them away from the dark web.

3.Have a conversation with your child

Your child may have gone the wrong way. Therefore, you need to understand your child’s way of thinking. Ask him about what’s happening and talk to him. Give him some suggestions. Explain why you should stay away from the dark web. Give them some logic. Always pay attention to your children and their activities. Ask them how they feel regularly. Check if they did it right. If your child refuses to talk to you or argue with you, ask about their relationship with the teacher. Explain to the children the risks of the dark web and why they should be avoided. If they encounter any problems online, please tell them to contact you.

4.Spend time with your children

You need to make time to accompany your children and remind them that you love them. Talk to your child like a friend; this makes them feel more comfortable with you and can share anything they want with you. Children who spend more time with their parents are less likely to engage in dangerous and illegal behavior. As your children grow up, your relationship with them will change, so make time for your child.

5.Monitor their online purchases

If you gave your child your own credit/debit card, it’s best to link it to their account so that you can view all your child’s online transactions and purchases. It is also a good idea to track your online orders and empty shipping boxes.

6.Motivate them to participate in extra activities

Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities such as dancing, singing, swimming, and other sports. You can also participate and play with your children. Extra activities can increase self-esteem and self-confidence. Praise your children, which will keep them motivated in the future. Participating in extracurricular activities encourages children to restrict their use of the Internet and helps to protect them from the dark web.

7.Reduce your internet use

Since your behavior mainly affects your child, you need to be cautious because your child will imitate your behavior. To reduce internet usage time, please do not use mobile phones or laptops in the presence of children all the time. Just explain to them why you’re using it and when you need it. Explain the dangers of excessive use of mobile phones and computers. Instead of giving them smartphones or laptops to play games or watch videos, it is better to play with them.

8.Limit their technology access:

Many children cannot resist the temptation to surf on the dark web, even if it is dangerous. Putting electronic devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other similar devices in public areas will help you understand the situation and set boundaries for yourself. It is not good to let children use their smartphones before going to bed, so don’t let them use phones during their bedtime.

9.Encourage them in physical exercises

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and addiction. Exercise helps children improve mental clarity by reducing tension. It also allows you to spend more time with your children and strengthens the relationship between you and your children. Children who are physically active are also more motivated and focused.

Question And Answer Related To Dark Web

1.Is it Illegal To Use the Dark Web?

Technically speaking, it is not illegal to access the dark web through Tor Browser. Part of the US government and military funding search engines is sharing information and protecting its agents and informants. It also applies to data protection and encryption rights. And a safe place for reporters and informants.

You may not know if your activity is illegal. Buying guns on the black market is illegal, but when you find yourself in a forum that contains threats or violence, the legality is less obvious. You should know that you are engaging in illegal activities until the FBI is noticed.

2.What is the difference between the Deep Web and the Dark Web?

The dark web is easily confused with the deep web, but they are not the same thing. So, consider the dark web as a small part of the deep Internet that has become a haven for illegal activities. The deep web is also somewhat hidden, but it is home to harmless websites, such as password-protected email accounts, corporate intranets, online consumer bank account pages, government databases, and personal websites that users need.

Although there are dark web lists in places such as Reddit and Twitter, ordinary Internet users will not be able to see any content on the dark web without installing complex software such as the TOR browser. However, the deep web is an entirely different thing. The “private” internet runs through the authenticated part of the deep web. Therefore, we believe that most of the sensitive and crucial data is contained in the deep network.

3.How To Surf the Dark Web?

Diving in the dark web isn’t the safest idea but if you still want to get the idea of surfing the dark web – Getting into the dark web is actually much easier than you think. All you have to do is download a dark web browser like Tor Browser. Once you have a dark web browser installed on your device, it can work as a normal browser: and enter the URL. However, finding the material you want on the dark web is more complicated than using a search engine like Google. There is no indexing or ranking system on the dark web to help you find what you need. A website called Uncensored Hidden Wiki has some guidelines for dark web content, but it may contain illegal sites.

Conclusion:

The Internet, the most unavoidable thing in today’s people’s life, is both a blessing and a curse. In the hands of the right people and under the right guidance, there’re boundless learning and growth opportunities. And without proper guidance, it is destructive and will have a negative impact on your child’s mentality towards technology usage. As a modern parent, you have a responsibility to protect young children from various online threats. By following the above tips, you can prevent your child from the risky and painful path of the dark web.