What’s a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) hides a user’s location and activity online. While often used for privacy and security (like protecting data on public Wi-Fi), students are now using VPNs to bypass school filters and state laws restricting access to certain websites.
Why It Matters
Kids can use VPNs to:
- Access blocked content at school (social media, gaming, explicit sites)
- Avoid state-level age verification laws (e.g., adult content restrictions in North Carolina)
- Mask their location, making it harder to monitor what they’re doing online
What starts as “getting around a school rule” can lead students into dangerous corners of the internet.
Some Positives of VPNs
VPNs do serve real purposes:
- Safer online banking/money transactions
- Protection and safety on public Wi-Fi
- Added privacy from hackers and trackers
But when misused, they can hide risky behavior from adults trying to keep kids safe.
The Nuanced Fix: Education Over Restriction
Simply blocking VPNs or content isn’t enough.
We need to educate kids on digital safety, self-regulation, and why certain limits exist. That means:
- Ongoing conversations
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Being able to navigate the digital world through managing emotions, interactions, and regulation.
- Building digital citizenship from a young age
Let’s help kids understand the why—not just work around the what.
Quick Summary:
Students are using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to bypass school filters and state laws, gaining access to blocked or explicit content. While VPNs can improve privacy and protect data on public Wi-Fi, they’re also being used to hide risky online behavior. Instead of just blocking apps, let’s focus on teaching digital safety, emotional awareness, and responsible online choices. Learn more at iParent101.com.
-iParent101 Team
For more tips, visit iParent101.com and follow our ToGo™ series.
Reference
How VPNs work and why you should use one.