The return to school is no longer limited to preparing books, uniforms and school supplies. In the middle of 2025, children arrive in the classroom with a digital backpack loaded with devices, social networks and new online experiences that are part of their day to day. According to the latest Kids Report 2025 report by Kaspersky, platforms such as YouTube remain the most used, although with relevant changes in minors preferences: music leads searches (21%), followed by influencers (17%), cartoon and viral memes. In the field of gaming, titles such as Minecraft, Brawl Stars, Fortnite or Roblox concentrate attention, while the Sprunki phenomenon emerges strongly among the youngest.
But the most striking fact is in the adoption of artificial intelligence tools. The study confirms that the use of services such as Character. With this panorama, Kaspersky has published the “Digital Backpack: Guide for parents in the school year”, a practical document for families to face the new course with clear keys on how to protect the privacy and safety of minors on the Internet.
A context that demands new rules
The use of connected devices is getting earlier and, with it, exposure to digital risks: from overexposure in social networks to phishing attempts or contact with strangers in gaming environments. Kaspersky’s guide recalls that these dangers should not generate fear, but consciousness and prevention habits.
In full 2025, children arrive in the classroom with a digital backpack loaded with devices, social networks and new online experiences that are part of their day to day
When parents understand how platforms work, they accompany their children in the configuration of accounts and maintain an open dialogue about what they do online, the risks are transformed into learning opportunities. In the words of the report, the active involvement of families not only protects, but also encourages trust and reinforces the link with minors.
Key tips to accompany minors
The guide proposes six practical sections that parents can apply at home:
- Be curious, not critical: Listening to the digital interests of the children and talking about their motivations when creating content helps to generate trust and allows you to introduce privacy issues and online limits.
- Configure the accounts together: Establish safe passwords, deactivate geolocation or activate two steps verification are habits that must be learned from the beginning.
- Teach what not to share: Details such as address, school or daily routines should never be published in networks.
- Find your alias on Google: Monitoring the digital footprint of minors helps prevent undesiled supplaments or exhibitions.
- Warm: Many scam attempts come in the form of suspicious gifts or proposals that can hide malicious links.
- Talk about strangers on the Internet: Raise awareness about online grooming and give confidence to tell any strange situation is essential.
The voice of experts
Kaspersky’s specialists remember that it is not about prohibiting, but to accompany. “When a child creates content on the Internet, he is expressing his identity and creativity. As adults, our role is to support that ambition, ensuring at the same time that he understands the digital risks associated with visibility,” explains Anna Larkina, a privacy expert of the company.
In this sense, tools such as Kaspersky Safe Kids allow parents to supervise the activity of minors, manage screen time and receive alerts before possible risks, without invading the autonomy of children.
