High tech skills or stepping over the line? What parents need to know.

High tech skills or stepping over the line? What parents need to know.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, highlighting a crucial truth for parents: keeping our kids safe requires looking beyond the physical walls of our homes to the digital worlds on their screens.

Do you know what your child is really doing online?

Many young people with an exceptional talent for technology are stepping across the line into cybercrime—often without even realising they are breaking the law. Recent data shows that 1 in 5 children aged 10–16 have engaged in illegal online activities.

What starts as an innocent interest in video games, coding, or software can quickly escalate into serious offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. Many are pulled into underground digital communities via platforms like Discord or Telegram, where dangerous tools are normalised.

As part of the national #CyberChoices initiative, we want to help you spot the early warning signs before a young person risks their entire future.

🔍 Warning Signs to Watch For

Unusual computer behaviour: They have multiple screens or command-line interfaces open, use privacy-shielding tools like Tor, or heavily rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Advanced terminology: They frequently talk about "DDoS-ing" (knocking websites offline), "booter tools," "cracking," or "remote access trojans".

Real-world isolation: They spend an excessive amount of time online, hiding their screen when you walk in, or becoming defensive about their internet habits.

Unexplained income: They possess new, expensive technology, gaming credits, or access to cryptocurrency that they couldn't afford on their own.

Targeting their own school: A common gateway offence is trying to bypass school firewalls, access school servers, or disrupt the network.

🚫 The Real Consequences

The myth of the "harmless prank" is gone. Crossing the line can lead to severe real-world disruptions:

Home visits from the police and devices being seized.

Being banned or heavily restricted from internet use.

A permanent criminal record that halts university applications and career choices.

💡 The Better Choice: Redirect Their Talent

Having these digital skills is an incredible strength. In the UK and abroad, ethical hacking, coding, and cybersecurity experts are in massive demand—offering highly lucrative, legal career paths.

The NCA Cyber Choices Programme does not look to criminalize young people; its mission is to guide them toward using their cyber talents ethically and safely.

Take Action Today

Start a conversation: Ask them what tools they use and talk openly about the Computer Misuse Act.

Explore legal pathways: Introduce them to legal coding challenges, virtual cyber-security labs, and official training opportunities.

Get support: If you are concerned about a young person's online behaviour, you can access expert advice or submit an early intervention referral through our Cyber Concern Referral Form

Don't let them play games with their future.

Kind regards,

Stephen Blake

Cyber Prevent Officer

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Stephen Blake
(Cheshire Police, Cyber Prevent Officer, Cheshire)