Brent Clabaugh

Cyberspace is no longer the internet Generation X once knew. A new generation has emerged that is far more than connected, they are immersed in the internet. Children as young as five have smart devices that connect them to the world wide web. Developers create apps aimed for children without the security of children in mind. This paper looks at the threats that target today’s younger generation, what measures are being taken to mitigate cyber threats, and what actions are being taken to help parents and children protect themselves. After reviewing Apple’s iOS Store and Google’s Play Store policies, they do not take into consideration the threats that face children, only implementing what laws have governed them to do. How do apps with malware and viruses get submitted for approval, and so many are approved? How do apps with questionable content not get questioned by the app review boards? What are parents and children to do to protect themselves? What resources are available to them? They need help navigating the millions of apps on the market because cyberspace is not a playground for children.