The new Netflix series Adolescence has ignited widespread discussions about adolescent mental health and digital safety. The show tells the harrowing story of a 13-year-old boy accused of murder after months of cyberbullying and exposure to toxic online communities. It raises crucial questions about how parents can support their children in an increasingly risky digital environment.
Egyptian Children Enter the Digital World at an Early Age
Research by Kaspersky reveals that 55% of children in Egypt receive a smartphone or tablet between the ages of 3 and 7. While digital technology can offer valuable learning and communication opportunities, most children lack proper guidance on how to navigate this complex world safely. Many are exposed to unfiltered content before they’ve developed the skills to assess and understand it.
The study highlights that harmful or inappropriate content is one of the most widespread online threats. Yet, 22% of Egyptian parents have never discussed digital safety rules with their children. This lack of oversight and open dialogue leaves kids just a few clicks away from violent or explicit content—often without their parents’ knowledge.
Cyberbullying: A Hidden, Persistent Threat
Cyberbullying is among the most dangerous digital threats—often invisible to parents. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying takes place on platforms that teens use daily, making it continuous and hard to escape. It can involve identity theft, the spread of embarrassing photos, or secret harassment within closed groups.
Without proper support, teens may withdraw online and distance themselves from their families, leading them to seek comfort in hidden digital communities that normalize harmful behaviors and exploit their emotional vulnerability.
Trust Before Surveillance
Kaspersky stresses that the solution starts with building trust between parents and children. Teens need to feel safe enough to share their online struggles. While parental control tools are important, they cannot replace open communication. Instead, they should be paired with honest conversations to help detect problems early and intervene effectively.
Kaspersky recommends tools like Kaspersky Safe Kids, which allow parents to monitor online behavior, set screen time limits, filter harmful content, and track location—without infringing on children’s privacy or creating an atmosphere of distrust.
Families are also advised to install reliable security solutions on their children’s devices to protect them from malware while browsing or gaming online.
Phishing Campaigns Exploit Popular Content
Kaspersky researchers have discovered phishing websites claiming to offer free episodes of the Adolescence series, which instead download malware onto users’ devices. This is a prime example of how trending content can be used to lure teens into harmful situations and compromise their digital experience.
Andrey Sidenko, a privacy expert at Kaspersky, warns: “The danger isn’t just the malware—it’s the moment a child turns to anonymous forums instead of their parents. Some platforms exploit this silence to normalize harmful behavior. That’s why digital safety shouldn’t stop at surveillance—it must begin with communication.”
Kaspersky’s Tips for Protecting Children Online:
Stay informed about digital threats and monitor your child’s online behavior effectively
Talk openly with your children about potential risks and set clear, safe guidelines
Regularly review and adapt these rules as your child grows
Use smart parental control apps like Kaspersky Safe Kids
Install security software on all devices to prevent malicious downloads
