Parents warn of rising online scams and social‑media risks for children

Online fraud is becoming more common, and experts say children are especially vulnerable. In Hungary, parents describe how smartphones are now part of everyday life for teens aged 12 to 16, and how they teach their kids to spot suspicious messages and links. One mother recalled a scam that pretended to be a plea from her son to fix a broken phone, which she recognized and ignored. Fathers also stress gradual device introduction, limiting usage to calls and school work, and fostering trust so children can raise concerns.

In Slovakia, lawmakers and civil‑society groups are pushing for stricter limits on social‑media access for minors. The education minister announced plans to curb the influence of platforms on youths, while the Christian Democratic Movement proposes banning social‑media accounts for children under 16 and imposing tighter safety settings for 16‑ to 18‑year‑olds. Studies show that 72% of eleven‑year‑olds already own smartphones, spending an average of over four hours per day online, which fuels worries about anxiety, depression, and exposure to harmful content.