Teaching about phishing emails

Parents & guardians · Parent guide · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

Why Do Kids Need to Learn About Phishing Emails and When Does It Click?

Children today use digital devices early, often accessing email, games, or social media by age 7 or 8. Phishing emails are fraudulent messages designed to trick recipients into sharing personal details, passwords, or installing harmful software. Kids are targets because scammers expect them to be less skeptical or to share devices. Teaching phishing awareness helps children recognize threats, avoid scams, and protect family information. Understanding this skill usually “clicks” around ages 7 to 8 when children grasp basic ideas of trust and deception. At this stage, they can understand that not all online messages are safe. For example, a child might receive an email that looks like it’s from their favorite game but asks for their password—knowing to question this is a critical skill. By middle school, children face more independence online, making phishing lessons essential before they start managing their own emails and accounts.

What Is an Age-by-Age Approach to Teaching Phishing Awareness?

Different ages understand phishing risks differently. Parents can adjust their explanations and activities to match their child’s development:

For example, with an 8-year-old, a parent might say, “If an email asks you for your password, it’s like a stranger asking for your house key. You wouldn’t give it to a stranger, right?” For teens, parents can review an email’s sender address and links together, showing how scammers try to look real but have small mistakes.

How Can Parents Explain Phishing Emails to Their Child?

Using simple, relatable language helps children understand phishing without causing fear. Here is a short script parents can use:

“You know how sometimes someone might pretend to be your friend to trick you? Well, some emails pretend to be from people or companies you trust, but really they want to steal your secrets or get you to click bad links. If you get an email that asks for your password, money, or personal info, or just feels strange, don’t reply or click anything. Always show it to me or another adult first.”

This approach uses familiar concepts like pretending and secrets, making the idea of phishing accessible. Parents should avoid technical terms like “malware” or “cybercrime” at first. Instead, focus on the basic message: don’t share private info and ask for help if unsure. Reinforce that it’s okay to ask questions and no one should be embarrassed for not knowing.

What Are Everyday Moments to Practice Phishing Awareness with Kids?

Incorporating phishing lessons into daily life helps children learn through action, not just words. Parents can use these moments:

• Checking emails together: When your child shows you a new email, read it aloud and ask questions like, “Who sent this? Does it ask for personal info?” Praise them for noticing things that seem odd.
• Discussing unexpected messages: If your child gets an email from a company or person they don’t know, talk about why it might be suspicious.
• Comparing emails: Look at a genuine email from school or a favorite store and compare it to a phishing example from a trusted website. Point out differences in spelling, logos, or links.
• Role-playing: Pretend to send your child a fake phishing email and let them decide what to do. Ask, “Would you click this link? Why or why not?”
• Reviewing app or game notifications: Some phishing emails mimic game alerts or account problems. Talk through what to look for to avoid falling for these tricks.

For example, if your child receives an email that says, “You won a prize! Click here!” you can pause together and ask, “What questions do we have about this email? Do we recognize the sender? Does it ask for personal info?” This conversation helps children build skepticism and reasoning skills.

What Are Common Mistakes Parents Make When Teaching About Phishing?

Parents sometimes unintentionally reduce the effectiveness of their lessons by:

• Using complex or scary language: Terms like “hackers” or “viruses” without explanation can confuse or frighten children.
• Relying on a single talk: Phishing awareness should be ongoing, not a one-time warning. Kids need repeated exposure as their skills grow.
• Assuming children understand: Parents may think kids know phishing risks just because they use email, but many kids haven’t been taught what to watch for.
• Focusing only on what not to do: Negative warnings without clear, positive actions can leave children unsure how to respond.
• Not modeling safe behavior: Children learn by example. If parents click suspicious links or ignore warnings, kids may think it’s safe.

Instead, parents should give clear instructions, encourage questions, and show how they check emails themselves. For example, a parent might say, “I always look carefully at who sent an email before clicking. I want to show you how I do that.”

When Should Parents Seek Extra Help or Resources?

If your child is confused by phishing lessons or shows signs of anxiety about online dangers, consider extra support:

• Use trusted resources: Websites from the FTC, CISA, or Common Sense Media offer kid-friendly guides and videos.
• Talk to educators: School technology teachers often provide lessons about online safety and phishing tailored to age groups.
• Attend community workshops: Libraries or community centers may offer digital safety classes for families.
• Consult cybersecurity professionals: If your child or family has experienced a phishing attack, a professional can guide recovery steps.
• Contact trusted adults: Encourage open communication with other adults your child trusts, like relatives or coaches.

Getting help ensures your child gains confidence and doesn’t feel overwhelmed. For example, if your teen receives a suspicious email that causes worry, you might reach out to a school counselor or IT department for advice on how to respond.

What Are Examples of Phishing Emails Parents Can Use to Teach Their Children?

Realistic examples make phishing lessons concrete. Parents can find or create examples illustrating common signs:

• Urgent requests: “Your account will be closed in 24 hours unless you verify your info.” Such emails pressure urgency.
• Unknown senders: An email from a strange address claiming to be a friend or company.
• Requests for personal info: “Send us your password to confirm your identity.”
• Spelling and grammar errors: Poor language is a red flag.
• Suspicious links: Links that look different when hovered over or don’t match the supposed sender’s website.

A simple example to show a child might be:

“Hi, your game account has a problem. To fix it, click this link and type your password.”

Then, explain why this is suspicious: no official company would ask for passwords by email, and the link might lead to a harmful site. Parents can find curated phishing examples in articles like or and review them with their child, pointing out specific clues.

How Can Parents Encourage Reporting and Safe Responses to Phishing?

Teaching children what to do when they encounter a phishing email is as important as spotting it. Parents should encourage these steps:

1. Don’t reply or click any links. Explain that responding can confirm their email is active and invite more scams.
2. Tell a trusted adult immediately. Make sure your child knows they won’t get in trouble for asking help.
3. Delete the email after reporting. This prevents accidental clicks later.
4. Use “Report phishing” functions in email apps if available. Show your child how to use this feature to help stop scammers.

For example, parents can say, “If you get a weird email, come to me first. We’ll look at it together and decide if it’s safe. It’s always better to ask than guess.” Reinforcing these steps builds a habit of caution and communication.

Frequently asked questions

How do I explain phishing emails to a child who uses email for the first time?

Start with simple ideas like “Some emails are like strangers trying to trick you.” Use examples from their interests, like fake game messages asking for passwords. Keep explanations short and encourage them to always ask an adult if they feel unsure.

Are there signs that clearly show an email is a phishing attempt?

Yes, common signs include requests for passwords or money, emails from unknown senders, spelling errors, urgent messages pressuring quick action, and links that don’t match the supposed sender’s website. Teaching children to look for these clues helps them spot scams.

What if my child forwards a phishing email to their friends?

Explain that forwarding suspicious emails can spread scams and cause confusion. Encourage your child to delete these emails and tell a trusted adult instead. Show them how to report phishing in their email app to help stop scammers.

How can I keep phishing lessons positive without scaring my child?

Focus on empowerment by teaching clear steps to stay safe. Use friendly language and praise your child for asking questions or spotting suspicious emails. Avoid scary stories about hackers and instead highlight that they can protect themselves with simple rules.

What resources can I use to teach phishing awareness?

Trusted sites like the FTC, CISA, and Common Sense Media offer free guides, videos, and sample phishing emails for kids. Schools may also provide lesson plans or workshops on digital safety. These resources make teaching easier and age-appropriate.