Let’s be honest—parenting in the digital age is a whole new ball game. From managing screen time to figuring out which apps are actually safe, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up. And with everything from school-issued devices to social media becoming part of daily life, our kids are growing up in an online world that moves fast—and isn’t always secure.
The current threat landscape is constantly evolving, making it important for parents to understand the unique cybersecurity challenges facing educational institutions.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. At Prey, we believe cybersecurity works best when schools and families join forces. Because keeping students safe online isn’t just a school’s job—it’s a shared effort, especially as educational institutions face increasing cybersecurity risks.
In this guide, we’ll break down what cybersecurity for parents really means, how schools can engage families in meaningful ways, and the practical steps every household can take to build a safer digital environment for kids—both in the classroom and at home.
The digital reality: why cybersecurity doesn’t end at the school gate
Today’s students are connected nearly 24/7—logging into virtual classrooms, joining Zoom study sessions, streaming lessons on YouTube, and chatting with classmates on apps. While schools have invested heavily in safeguarding their own networks, the real vulnerabilities often start at home. School districts across the country have experienced a rise in cyberattacks and other attacks targeting student data, making cybersecurity a top priority.
A 2023 report by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) revealed that nearly 8 out of 10 K-12 cybersecurity incidents began with compromised credentials. The kicker? Many of those breaches stemmed from phishing scams and unsafe practices that happened outside the classroom—often right at the kitchen table—posing significant risks to both students and schools.
So what does that mean for families?
For parents, here’s the wake-up call:
- Kids are prime targets. Hackers know that students—especially younger ones—are less likely to question suspicious links or pop-ups. That makes them the perfect entry point for malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities.
- Home devices are soft spots. Unlike managed school laptops, home tablets, gaming consoles, and even smart TVs often lack proper firewalls or antivirus protection.
- One mistake can ripple. Something as small as clicking a fake homework link can escalate. If your child’s school credentials get stolen, a bad actor could access grades, health records, or even staff emails.
A real-world example:
Early this year, Chicago Public Schools experienced one of the largest student data breaches in U.S. history. The root cause? A third-party vendor organization responsible for handling sensitive data had its credentials compromised—affecting more than 700,000 students and staff. While the breach wasn’t directly caused by a student or parent, it’s a reminder of how fragile the cybersecurity chain is.
Digital security doesn’t stop at the school’s edge—it travels home with every student-issued Chromebook and every educational app installed on a parent’s phone.
That’s why schools can’t go it alone. Parents need to be empowered, informed, and included.
What school can do: turning parents into cybersecurity allies
Engaging parents in school cybersecurity doesn’t require expensive technology or extra staff. What it really takes is consistent, transparent communication and simple, practical tools that families can actually use. School leaders play a crucial role in developing effective strategies for communicating cybersecurity information to parents, ensuring that families are informed and engaged in protecting student data. Here’s how schools can make a big impact—no matter their budget.
- Host parent-focused cybersecurity sessions
Think of these sessions as mini cybersecurity bootcamps—short, interactive, and empowering. Whether hosted on Zoom or in your school auditorium, they help bridge the knowledge gap and make parents feel like trusted partners, not just observers. Including teachers, employees, and administrators in these sessions ensures a whole-school approach to cybersecurity, where everyone is equipped to recognize and respond to threats.
Session ideas:
- How to spot phishing attempts (with real-life examples)
- The do’s and don’ts of school-issued devices
- Why software updates matter (and how to check them)
Make it interactive: Run a short quiz, invite an IT guest speaker, or have a student demo safe online behavior.
Tip: Use trusted resources like CISA’s Cybersecurity Awareness toolkit to structure your content.
- Keep families informed with monthly cyber bulletins
In a world full of noise, keep your messages clear and consistent. Cyber bulletins help schools become a trusted voice on digital safety—offering timely advice that cuts through the clutter.
What to include:
- App safety alerts (e.g., suspicious new games)
- Simple how-tos (e.g., enabling browser extensions that block trackers)
- Tips for safe device sharing among siblings
- Information on how families can make requests for information or support regarding digital safety, such as accessing records or requesting guidance
Pro tip: Keep it short. One strong tip + a helpful link (like a 30-second explainer video) is more effective than a wall of text.
Accessibility matters: Translate your bulletin into multiple languages. Use visual icons for universal clarity.
- Create a family cyber pledge
Cybersecurity is a team sport—and that includes the home team. A Family Cyber Pledge helps parents and kids align on healthy digital habits.
Sample pledge items:
- We won’t share our passwords—even with friends
- We’ll set limits on screen time and stick to them
- We’ll talk openly about things we see online that feel off
Make the pledge fun! Include a space for signatures, a gold star section, or printable fridge art. Encourage all members of the family to sign and commit to the pledge together. Encourage families to revisit it monthly.
Add-on idea: Have classrooms do a “Cyber Hero Week” and celebrate students who practice safe digital habits.
- Prepare parents for when things go wrong
Let’s normalize the fact that digital mistakes happen. Whether it’s clicking on a suspicious link or downloading a shady app, the goal is to act fast—not assign blame. Parents should be ready to respond quickly to incidents to help minimize potential harm.
What parents need:
- A clear, 1-page “What to do if…” action sheet
- Emergency contacts at the school (email + phone)
- Instructions on revoking access or resetting passwords
Common scenarios to include:
- “My child accidentally shared their login info”
- “We think our device was hacked”
- “A phishing message appeared in my child’s inbox”
After any incident, it’s important to review what happened with your child. This helps identify what went wrong and how to prevent similar issues in the future.
By preparing parents ahead of time, schools can reduce panic and accelerate response times when incidents occur.
Cybersecurity readiness is less about perfection—and more about preparation. Give families the roadmap they need to stay calm and act quickly. Let’s be real—incidents happen. Parents should know:
- What to do if their child clicks something sketchy
- Who to contact at school
- What information NOT to share online
Provide a clear, one-page response sheet for these moments. It can make all the difference.
What parents can do at home (without being IT experts)
You don’t need a tech degree to protect your family online. In fact, some of the most effective cybersecurity practices start with simple habits and open conversations. When parents set clear expectations and create safe digital routines, kids are more likely to follow suit. It's also crucial to help your child understand the importance of protecting their identity online, as personal information can be misused if not properly safeguarded. Here’s how to start:
- Talk openly about online safety and privacy.
- Set boundaries for device use and internet access.
- Teach kids how to identify suspicious requests for personal information, such as emails or messages asking for passwords or other sensitive data.
- Model good digital habits by using strong passwords and updating them regularly.
When setting expectations, remind your child that keeping their login credentials private and secure is essential to protecting their accounts and personal information.
- Use parental controls (but don’t rely on them alone)
Parental control apps are like training wheels—they’re helpful, but they’re not the whole bike. Parental control apps are just one of the many technologies available to help keep kids safe online. Tools like Google Family Link, Bark, and Qustodio allow you to:
- Monitor which apps are being downloaded (and deleted)
- Set screen time limits by device or app
- Block access to adult or malicious websites
Best practice: Start with tech tools, but pair them with guidance. Let your child know what you’re monitoring and why. Transparency builds trust and teaches responsibility.
- Talk about cyber hygiene—early and often
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be a one-time talk—it should be a recurring conversation. Regular conversations help build your child's understanding of online safety. The more comfortable your kids feel talking about their digital life, the more likely they are to come to you when something feels off.
Try this:
- Ask: “What’s the coolest app your friends are using lately?”
- Show a real phishing email and ask, “What would you do if you saw this?”
- Make a family poster of 5 “digital safety rules”—then update it every month
Pro Tip: Use natural moments like driving to school or prepping dinner as check-in points. These bite-sized talks stick better than one big lecture.
- Stay in the loop of device usage
Most kids juggle multiple devices: a school-issued Chromebook, a family iPad, a computer, maybe even a personal phone. The more devices in play, the harder it is to monitor them all—unless you set a few ground rules.
Set clear expectations:
- Devices are charged in the kitchen overnight—not bedrooms
- Homework gets done before video games
- School devices are only for schoolwork—no social media, no gaming
Enhance visibility with tools like Prey:
- Enable location tracking on school-issued devices so you know they’re where they should be
- Use remote lock or wipe features in case a device gets lost
- Set up usage alerts so you’re notified of unusual behavior
Keeping an open dialogue and a shared sense of digital responsibility can go a long way in building trust and safety at home. These small steps add up—and they empower your child to take ownership of their digital habits.
- Know what your child is using—school laptop, family iPad, computer, personal phone?
- Set clear expectations about where and when devices can be used
- Enable location tracking and remote locking tools like Prey for school-issued devices
Building a culture of cyber awareness across the community
Cybersecurity awareness isn’t a one-and-done checklist—it’s a mindset. And it takes a village. While handouts and emails are useful, real change comes when families, schools, and communities all take ownership of building safe digital habits together. A strong cybersecurity culture requires participation from the entire organization, including staff, administrators, and students, to ensure everyone is engaged in protecting digital information.
That starts with making cybersecurity feel accessible, relevant, and personal. Here’s how to make it part of your school’s culture:
- Offer programs and services that support digital safety, such as cybersecurity awareness training, privacy workshops, and access to secure technology resources.
Recruit parent champions
You already have some digital pros in your school community—parents who work in tech, are early adopters of new tools, or simply love sharing what they learn. Why not tap into that talent?
Invite them to:
- Host peer sessions—like “Ask Me Anything” nights on digital parenting
- Facilitate peer-to-peer learning sessions for parents to share experiences and best practices with their peers
- Create how-to videos or flyers in multiple languages
- Help troubleshoot tech issues during school events or parent-teacher nights
When parents learn from each other, they feel less intimidated and more empowered. Plus, it builds a stronger, more connected school community.
Create a cyber safety hub on the school website
Think of it as a one-stop shop for digital safety. A well-organized online hub shows families that the school takes cybersecurity seriously—and gives them practical tools to protect their kids.
What to include:
- “Getting Started” guides for families new to technology or remote learning
- Clear, jargon-free explanations of district privacy and device policies
- Monthly digital tips or short videos, featuring school staff, students, or tools like Prey
- FAQs and help links, like how to reset a password or report a phishing email
- Tips for protecting personal addresses and other sensitive information online
Make it easy to find. Link to it in every newsletter, parent portal, and even printed flyers sent home.
By making cybersecurity part of the school’s everyday communication—and not just something you bring up after a breach—you help families build proactive, confident habits. And that’s how real change begins.
Easy-to-use templates that save time and build trust
Between lesson plans, tech hiccups, and busy family schedules, no one has time to reinvent the wheel. That’s why plug-and-play communication templates are a game-changer. When schools provide ready-to-use materials, it becomes much easier for parents to stay informed—and for staff to stay consistent. Communicating clearly with families using these templates ensures everyone receives the right information in a timely manner.
Here are a few formats you can copy, customize, and reuse throughout the year. Each template specifies its intended audience, so you can be sure the message reaches the right group.
For further support, consider linking to related resources that can help streamline your communication process.
Email templates
Subject: “Online Safety Starts at Home: Let’s Partner Up”
Body: “From gaming apps to Google Docs, our kids use technology every day. Online safety is a shared responsibility for both parents and students, and protecting personal information is essential. Join us this Thursday for a live parent session on online safety and learn how to protect your child’s digital life in just 20 minutes. Click here to RSVP.”
Subject: “5-Minute Cyber Check: What Parents Should Know This Week”
Body: “Quick tip: Talk to your child about never sharing passwords—even with friends. Visit our Parent Cyber Guide for more advice tailored to your child’s age.”
Text message alerts
Text: “[School Name]: Reminder—student devices should only be used for homework. Need a refresher on school tech rules or want to learn about our digital safety service for families? Visit our Family Cyber Hub.”
Text: “[School Name]: Our Digital Safety Night is this Thursday at 6 PM. Zoom link here: [insert link]. Don’t miss it!”
Social media posts
Post: “Did you know? Teaching your child to recognize phishing attempts can reduce risk by 70%. Online threats like phishing, ransomware, and data breaches are on the rise—learn how to stay protected! Join us this Thursday for an interactive session on safe browsing! #DigitalParenting”
Post: “Are you monitoring app downloads? A quick weekly check can prevent big issues. Explore our list of recommended family safety tools at [school link]. #CyberSafeFamilies”
Post: “Tip of the Week: Set a household rule that devices charge in the kitchen overnight—not in bedrooms. It’s great for sleep and security. More tips: [insert link]”
Flyer or handout headline ideas
- “Cyber Hygiene at Home: 5 Fast Fixes You Can Make Today”
- “Establish Normal Digital Safety Routines at Home”
- “What to Do if Your Child Clicks on Something Suspicious”
- “Parent Cyber Pledge: Sign It. Stick It on the Fridge. Live It.”
Pro tip: Include QR codes that link directly to your school’s Cyber Hub or the downloadable Family Toolkit.
The easier you make it to communicate, the more consistent—and effective—your cybersecurity messaging will be. Use these templates as-is or adapt them to fit your school’s voice and community needs.
6. How to know if your cyber awareness plan is working
Tracking progress shows you what’s working—and what needs to improve. The school's technology or IT department plays a key role in monitoring and reporting on cybersecurity progress.
Ways to measure:
- Workshop attendance
- Newsletter click-throughs
- Number of downloaded resources
- Parent surveys on digital safety confidence
- Compliance reporting to a federal agency, if required
Sample survey questions:
- “Do you know how to report a cyber incident to the school?”
- “Would you like more training or resources on home device security?”
Final thoughts: we’re all in this together
Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. The key is working together.
Schools don’t have to carry the burden alone, and parents don’t need to become cybersecurity experts. It starts with simple conversations, a little structure, and the right tools.
At Prey, we’re proud to be part of the solution—empowering schools and families to protect what matters most.
Let’s make cybersecurity second nature. Together.
