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Gen Threat Report Reveals Rise In Crypto, Sextortion And Tech Support Scams In An AI-Powered World
Gen Threat Report Reveals Rise In Crypto, Sextortion And Tech Support Scams In An AI-Powered World

Scoop

timea day ago

  • Business
  • Scoop

Gen Threat Report Reveals Rise In Crypto, Sextortion And Tech Support Scams In An AI-Powered World

Press Release – Gen Cryptocurrency scams are fraudulent schemes where scammers trick people into sending digital currency or sharing sensitive login information. These scams often involve fake investment opportunities, impersonation of trusted figures, or emotional manipulation … Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global leader powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, MoneyLion and more, today released its Q2/2025 Gen Threat Report. This quarter was marked by the takedown of the first known ransomware developed using AI, and globally, a 21% growth in data breaches and a 340% increase in financial scams. The team of Gen researchers also found a 100% increase in sextortion scams and a surge in Tech Support Scams spreading through Facebook. New Zealand's top threats in Q2/2025 were: · Malvertising · Scams (phishing, generic scams, E-shop scams, dating scams) 'This quarter's global trends reveal a troubling surge in cyber threats, from AI-powered ransomware to cryptocurrency scams and sextortion,' said Mark Gorrie, Managing Director APAC for Gen Digital. 'With the rise of AI and widespread data breaches, scams have become faster, more personalised, and harder to spot. New Zealand is not immune to these trends.' Weaker economy might fuel the rise in crypto and financial scams Generally, crypto scams have been on the rise almost everywhere. In Q2/2025, blocked attacks jumped from thousands to millions globally, with June marking the sharpest spike. Globally, the risk of being targeted by crypto scams increased by 69,508% in Q2. New Zealand experienced an even sharper rise at 77,721%, which indicates heightened risk well above the global average. 'In a weaker economy, people facing financial uncertainty are increasingly drawn to quick fixes like crypto, creating fertile ground for scammers to exploit,' said Gorrie. Cryptocurrency scams are fraudulent schemes where scammers trick people into sending digital currency or sharing sensitive login information. These scams often involve fake investment opportunities, impersonation of trusted figures, or emotional manipulation through romance scams. The anonymous and irreversible nature of crypto transactions makes it harder to recover lost funds. Globally, financial scams jumped 340% in Q2/2025, with many traced back to deceptive ads and fake pages on Facebook. Scammers used everything from deepfake videos to chatbot forms to collect personal and financial data, often under the guise of legal help or investment offers. New Zealand among top 20 countries at risk of sextortion In New Zealand, sextortion scams surged by 170% in Q2, significantly higher than the global average increase of 100%, pushing New Zealand to #19 on the list of the top 20 most at-risk countries. The top 20 sextortion countries by risk ratio includes Japan, Czechia, Croatia, Singapore, Cyprus, Hong Kong, South Africa, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Israel, Australia, Canada, Greece, Maldives, Cabo Verde, United Arab Emirates (the), New Zealand, Curaçao, highlighting how widespread and borderless the threat has become. Criminals are refining their tactics, thanks to the help of AI and a wealth of personal data available from recent large-scale breaches. One of the latest techniques used by cybercriminals involves Google Maps and is designed to employ a more invasive and personalised approach that can really shock and intimidate their victims into complying with demands. Criminals – utilising names, addresses, and emails readily available on the Dark Web due to data breaches – can create targeted emails to victims containing fabricated footage and unsettling information and images of their real homes. Push notifications and Facebook tech support scams flourishing In Q2/2025, the report reveals that globally, 14% of all blocked Facebook threats were linked to Technical Support Scams, a sharp rise driven by fake Messenger-style pages that locked browsers and pushed users to call fake help lines. Facebook's reach and ad infrastructure continue to make it a powerful tool for fraud at scale. In New Zealand, there was a 278% spike in malicious push notifications, often disguised as video players or system alerts. These deceptive pop-ups trick users into clicking, leading them to phishing sites or triggering unwanted downloads, a tactic increasingly used to spread scams and malware. 'Scammers are counting on panic clicks; they exploit the split second where you react before you think. And that single click can take a person straight to a scammer's doorstep,' Gorrie explained. 'If an alert feels aggressive or off, trust your instincts and double-check through your antivirus software directly, and avoid giving notification permissions to untrusted websites.' Beating the bots: Gen cracks AI-powered ransomware Gen continues to uphold its commitment to help victims of ransomware, uncovering a critical cryptographic flaw in FunkSec. This was the first known ransomware strain partially built using generative AI. While the malware successfully encrypted data and demanded payment, the Gen research team worked quietly with law enforcement to help victims recover their files without paying via a free decryptor released by Avast. FunkSec has since gone quiet. Other key global highlights from the report include: · +21% increase in data breach events, with the number of breached emails increasing by nearly 16%. · Lumma Stealer remained active post-takedown, using a fresh infrastructure to continue data exfiltration. · +317% spike in malicious push notifications, often disguised as video players or system alerts. · +62% rise in remote access attacks, led by the return of Wincir RAT and abuse of cloud services like OneDrive. · DealPly adware, a threat that has been steadily declining, was revived with a focus on the US, Brazil, France and India. · A target on small businesses with infostealers, exploits, and remote access tools. Scams remained the top threat to small businesses. Gen's family of trusted brand is always focused on keeping people's digital lives safe and protecting against scams – the very scams mentioned in this report – through solutions such as the newly added Scam Guardian feature in Avast Free Antivirus and Avast Premium Security to protect people from scams before they even spot them. Norton Genie within the Norton lineup is also an extra layer of scam protection on desktop and mobile. For identity threats, LifeLock helps keep people covered in the event of a breach or data exposure. About Gen Gen (NASDAQ: GEN) is a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its trusted consumer brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, MoneyLion and more. The Gen family of consumer brands is rooted in providing financial empowerment and cyber safety for the first digital generations. Today, Gen empowers people to live their digital lives safely, privately and confidently for generations to come. Gen brings award-winning products and services in cybersecurity, online privacy, identity protection and financial wellness to nearly 500 million users in more than 150 countries. Learn more at

Gen Threat Report Reveals Rise In Crypto, Sextortion And Tech Support Scams In An AI-Powered World
Gen Threat Report Reveals Rise In Crypto, Sextortion And Tech Support Scams In An AI-Powered World

Scoop

timea day ago

  • Business
  • Scoop

Gen Threat Report Reveals Rise In Crypto, Sextortion And Tech Support Scams In An AI-Powered World

Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global leader powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, MoneyLion and more, today released its Q2/2025 Gen Threat Report. This quarter was marked by the takedown of the first known ransomware developed using AI, and globally, a 21% growth in data breaches and a 340% increase in financial scams. The team of Gen researchers also found a 100% increase in sextortion scams and a surge in Tech Support Scams spreading through Facebook. New Zealand's top threats in Q2/2025 were: · Malvertising · Scams (phishing, generic scams, E-shop scams, dating scams) 'This quarter's global trends reveal a troubling surge in cyber threats, from AI-powered ransomware to cryptocurrency scams and sextortion,' said Mark Gorrie, Managing Director APAC for Gen Digital. 'With the rise of AI and widespread data breaches, scams have become faster, more personalised, and harder to spot. New Zealand is not immune to these trends.' Weaker economy might fuel the rise in crypto and financial scams Generally, crypto scams have been on the rise almost everywhere. In Q2/2025, blocked attacks jumped from thousands to millions globally, with June marking the sharpest spike. Globally, the risk of being targeted by crypto scams increased by 69,508% in Q2. New Zealand experienced an even sharper rise at 77,721%, which indicates heightened risk well above the global average. 'In a weaker economy, people facing financial uncertainty are increasingly drawn to quick fixes like crypto, creating fertile ground for scammers to exploit,' said Gorrie. Cryptocurrency scams are fraudulent schemes where scammers trick people into sending digital currency or sharing sensitive login information. These scams often involve fake investment opportunities, impersonation of trusted figures, or emotional manipulation through romance scams. The anonymous and irreversible nature of crypto transactions makes it harder to recover lost funds. Globally, financial scams jumped 340% in Q2/2025, with many traced back to deceptive ads and fake pages on Facebook. Scammers used everything from deepfake videos to chatbot forms to collect personal and financial data, often under the guise of legal help or investment offers. New Zealand among top 20 countries at risk of sextortion In New Zealand, sextortion scams surged by 170% in Q2, significantly higher than the global average increase of 100%, pushing New Zealand to #19 on the list of the top 20 most at-risk countries. The top 20 sextortion countries by risk ratio includes Japan, Czechia, Croatia, Singapore, Cyprus, Hong Kong, South Africa, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Israel, Australia, Canada, Greece, Maldives, Cabo Verde, United Arab Emirates (the), New Zealand, Curaçao, highlighting how widespread and borderless the threat has become. Criminals are refining their tactics, thanks to the help of AI and a wealth of personal data available from recent large-scale breaches. One of the latest techniques used by cybercriminals involves Google Maps and is designed to employ a more invasive and personalised approach that can really shock and intimidate their victims into complying with demands. Criminals – utilising names, addresses, and emails readily available on the Dark Web due to data breaches – can create targeted emails to victims containing fabricated footage and unsettling information and images of their real homes. Push notifications and Facebook tech support scams flourishing In Q2/2025, the report reveals that globally, 14% of all blocked Facebook threats were linked to Technical Support Scams, a sharp rise driven by fake Messenger-style pages that locked browsers and pushed users to call fake help lines. Facebook's reach and ad infrastructure continue to make it a powerful tool for fraud at scale. In New Zealand, there was a 278% spike in malicious push notifications, often disguised as video players or system alerts. These deceptive pop-ups trick users into clicking, leading them to phishing sites or triggering unwanted downloads, a tactic increasingly used to spread scams and malware. 'Scammers are counting on panic clicks; they exploit the split second where you react before you think. And that single click can take a person straight to a scammer's doorstep,' Gorrie explained. 'If an alert feels aggressive or off, trust your instincts and double-check through your antivirus software directly, and avoid giving notification permissions to untrusted websites.' Beating the bots: Gen cracks AI-powered ransomware Gen continues to uphold its commitment to help victims of ransomware, uncovering a critical cryptographic flaw in FunkSec. This was the first known ransomware strain partially built using generative AI. While the malware successfully encrypted data and demanded payment, the Gen research team worked quietly with law enforcement to help victims recover their files without paying via a free decryptor released by Avast. FunkSec has since gone quiet. Other key global highlights from the report include: · +21% increase in data breach events, with the number of breached emails increasing by nearly 16%. · Lumma Stealer remained active post-takedown, using a fresh infrastructure to continue data exfiltration. · +317% spike in malicious push notifications, often disguised as video players or system alerts. · +62% rise in remote access attacks, led by the return of Wincir RAT and abuse of cloud services like OneDrive. · DealPly adware, a threat that has been steadily declining, was revived with a focus on the US, Brazil, France and India. · A target on small businesses with infostealers, exploits, and remote access tools. Scams remained the top threat to small businesses. Gen's family of trusted brand is always focused on keeping people's digital lives safe and protecting against scams – the very scams mentioned in this report – through solutions such as the newly added Scam Guardian feature in Avast Free Antivirus and Avast Premium Security to protect people from scams before they even spot them. Norton Genie within the Norton lineup is also an extra layer of scam protection on desktop and mobile. For identity threats, LifeLock helps keep people covered in the event of a breach or data exposure. About Gen Gen (NASDAQ: GEN) is a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its trusted consumer brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, MoneyLion and more. The Gen family of consumer brands is rooted in providing financial empowerment and cyber safety for the first digital generations. Today, Gen empowers people to live their digital lives safely, privately and confidently for generations to come. Gen brings award-winning products and services in cybersecurity, online privacy, identity protection and financial wellness to nearly 500 million users in more than 150 countries. Learn more at

Cyber scams soar in New Zealand as AI & crypto drive threats
Cyber scams soar in New Zealand as AI & crypto drive threats

Techday NZ

timea day ago

  • Techday NZ

Cyber scams soar in New Zealand as AI & crypto drive threats

Gen's latest threat report for the second quarter of 2025 details a significant surge in cyber threats ranging from cryptocurrency scams to sextortion and data breaches across both global and New Zealand contexts. The analysis, compiled by Gen's team of cybersecurity researchers, recorded a substantial year-on-year increase in scams and malicious activity, suggesting that both criminal tactics and the scale of potential harm are evolving, largely fuelled by economic pressure and the availability of AI-powered tools. Crypto scams and economic uncertainty According to Gen, crypto scams have become an area of particular concern, with blocked attacks rising from thousands to millions within a few short months. The reported increase was 69,508% globally, with New Zealand experiencing an even sharper uptick of 77,721%, markedly above the worldwide average. "This quarter's global trends reveal a troubling surge in cyber threats, from AI-powered ransomware to cryptocurrency scams and sextortion," said Mark Gorrie, Managing Director APAC for Gen Digital. "With the rise of AI and widespread data breaches, scams have become faster, more personalised, and harder to spot. New Zealand is not immune to these trends." Gorrie added, "In a weaker economy, people facing financial uncertainty are increasingly drawn to quick fixes like crypto, creating fertile ground for scammers to exploit." Sextortion and personalisation The report highlights a 170% rise in sextortion scams within New Zealand during Q2/2025, compared to a 100% global increase. New Zealand now ranks 19th on Gen's list of the top 20 countries most at risk of sextortion. This list spans a diverse range of affected countries, including Japan, Czechia, Singapore, and South Africa. Sextortion scams typically involve criminals threatening to release compromising content unless a ransom, often in cryptocurrency, is paid. Recent tactics reportedly include the use of personal data harvested from major breaches, along with the manipulation of services such as Google Maps to make threats appear more credible and invasive. Attackers have used actual names, addresses, and email addresses to heighten victims' anxiety and pressure them into complying with demands. Facebook and technical support scams Elsewhere, the report identified a significant rise in scams exploiting social media. Worldwide, 14% of blocked Facebook-related threats in Q2/2025 were tied to so-called Technical Support Scams. These frequently present as fake Messenger-style pages that attempt to lock browsers and prompt users to call fraudulent help lines, leveraging Facebook's global reach and advertising platform for scalability. Push notifications and phishing In New Zealand, there was a 278% rise in malicious push notifications during the quarter. These deceptive pop-ups, often disguised as system alerts or video players, direct users to phishing websites or trigger unwanted downloads. The tactic is being increasingly employed to lure users into scams or malware installations. "Scammers are counting on panic clicks; they exploit the split second where you react before you think. And that single click can take a person straight to a scammer's doorstep," Gorrie explained. "If an alert feels aggressive or off, trust your instincts and double-check through your antivirus software directly, and avoid giving notification permissions to untrusted websites." AI involvement and ransomware Gen also revealed that Q2/2025 saw the takedown of the first known ransomware strain built with the assistance of generative AI. The malware, named FunkSec, managed to encrypt data and demand payment, but Gen's research team was able to discover a cryptographic flaw and, in coordination with law enforcement, help victims restore their files without payment using a free decryptor issued by Avast. Since this intervention, there has been no reported activity from the FunkSec group. Other key findings The global threat landscape continues to expand, as highlighted by a 21% rise in data breach events, and almost a 16% increase in breached email addresses. The report also notes that financial scams climbed by 340% and that small businesses continue to be vulnerable to infostealers, exploits, and remote access attacks. Of particular concern is the resurgence of older threats such as DealPly adware in markets including the United States, Brazil, France, and India. Malvertising and various scam types - especially phishing, generic scams, and e-shop or dating scams - ranked among New Zealand's top threats for the quarter. Remote access attacks grew by 62% and malicious push notifications spiked by 317% globally, indicating a broadening portfolio of tactics used by cybercriminals. Efforts to counter these risks are ongoing, with Gen's researchers continuing to collaborate on threat mitigation tools and public awareness campaigns.

Childhood 2.0: AI Friends And Cyberbullying On The Digital Playground
Childhood 2.0: AI Friends And Cyberbullying On The Digital Playground

Scoop

time23-07-2025

  • Scoop

Childhood 2.0: AI Friends And Cyberbullying On The Digital Playground

Childhood today is radically different, and online activities blend into real life shockingly fast. Parents now play a frontline role in keeping their families safe as digital life starts earlier and earlier, said Mark Gorrie, Norton Managing Director APAC and father of two. Norton study shows 1 in 8 Kiwi parents report cyberbullying; 23% say kids turn to AI for emotional support Auckland, 23 July, 2025 – Norton, a global leader in consumer Cyber Safety and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), released its 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report: Connected Kids, offering a comprehensive look at the Cyber Safety challenges parents of school aged children are up against. The report reveals that 1 in 8 parents* (13%) say their children have been victims of cyberbullying and another 23% say their child is turning to AI for companionship. As children in New Zealand are going digital earlier than ever, with many getting their first phone by age 12 according to the report, parents are navigating uncharted territory. The report highlights the urgent need to equip Kiwi families with resources to keep kids safe in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 'Childhood today is radically different, and online activities blend into real life shockingly fast. Parents now play a frontline role in keeping their families safe as digital life starts earlier and earlier,' said Mark Gorrie, Norton Managing Director APAC and father of two. 'Our study reveals that on average, Kiwi adults today were 24 years old when they got their first mobile phone. But the generational gap is striking. Gen Z got theirs at just 14, Millennials at 16, Gen X at 26, and Boomers at 41. Children of parents in this study are getting their first mobile even earlier, with an average age of 12. With devices landing in kids' hands younger than ever, parents need both more support and a greater commitment to navigating the realities of raising digitally connected kids.' From Offline to Cyber Bullying While school yard bullying is nothing new, in 2025, it doesn't stop when the school bell rings. According to the report, nearly half (41%) of parents of cyberbullying victims say the perpetrator was a classmate or peer. Parents say this trolling and harassment spans numerous platforms. Visual-first social media platforms lead the charge – Snapchat and Instagram (both 33%), followed by Facebook (30%), and TikTok (28%). But not all cyberbullying is pervasive beyond social media. One in four parents (26%) say their child has been bullied via text messages. Strikingly, almost half (46%) of Kiwi parents say they knew their child was being cyberbullied before their child confided in them. This suggests many parents are picking up on warning signs, but awareness alone isn't enough. Over a quarter of parents (28%) admit they still haven't spoken with their children about staying safe online, leaving them underprepared when risks escalate. Managing screen time remains a constant struggle. Although nearly three-quarters of Kiwi parents try to enforce limits (72%), tech-savvy kids often find ways around them: 21% say their child has bypassed parental controls and admitted it to them. Another 31% discovered their child had secretly got around the restrictions without saying a word. Parents also report catching their children engaging in risky online behaviours – from staying up late on devices (31%) to accessing blocked sites (10%), sharing private information with strangers (10%), watching explicit content (9%), or even cyberbullying others (4%). Making AI Friends Another crucial concern addressed in the report is the growing role of AI in children's digital lives. For some children, AI isn't just a tool anymore; it's becoming a companion. Almost a quarter of Kiwi parents (23%) say their children use AI for companionship and emotional support. Concerns about AI's unintended effects remain high, with 34% saying AI isn't beneficial for children's learning and creativity. However, just like the gap in online safety talks, conversations about AI risks aren't happening enough at home. Only 41% of Kiwi parents say they've talked to their kids about AI dangers like deepfakes and misinformation. 'As AI-powered tools and AI companions become more common, parents face a bigger task than they may realise. Our study shows that around one in three Kiwi parents (30%) already take the right approach by regularly checking their child's devices – reviewing app usage, settings, and installed apps. It's a habit more Kiwi families should adopt to help guide children safely in the digital world.' says Gorrie. 5 Tips to Help Keep Kids Safer in a Connected World The Connected Kids Report underscores that, as children engage with technology earlier and more frequently, it's essential for parents to stay proactive, informed, and involved. Norton recommends the following steps to help create a safer and more supportive digital experience for kids: Start the Conversation Early Don't wait until there's a problem – talk to your children about online behaviour, safety, and kindness from the moment they start using devices. Use Parental Control Tools Thoughtfully Take advantage of built-in device settings and trusted parental control tools to set screen time limits, block inappropriate content, and monitor online activity. Norton solutions, such as Norton Family with features like School Time, can help parents create healthy digital boundaries while fostering trust and transparency. Teach Kids to Recognise Red Flags Help children understand the signs of cyberbullying, scams, AI manipulation, or predatory behaviour, and empower them to speak up if something feels off. Model Healthy Tech Use Kids mirror adult behaviour. Set a positive example by putting devices down during family time, managing your own screen use, and showing how to engage responsibly online. Stay Involved, Stay Curious Regularly check in with your child about what they're doing online. Ask questions, explore apps together, and keep learning about new trends – whether it's AI chatbots or the latest social media platform. The study was conducted online within New Zealand by Dynata on behalf of Gen from 24 April to 9 May 2025 among 1,001 adults ages 18 and older. Data are weighted where necessary by age, gender, and region, to be nationally representative. Within this report, mentions of parents refer to parents with children younger than 18 years old. About Norton Norton is a leader in Cyber Safety, and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Norton empowers millions of individuals and families with award-winning protection for their devices, online privacy and identity. Norton products and services are certified by independent testing organisations including AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs. Norton is a founding member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware. Learn more at * Parents refers to parents with children under the age of 18.

Kiwi children face cyberbullying as more turn to AI support
Kiwi children face cyberbullying as more turn to AI support

Techday NZ

time22-07-2025

  • Techday NZ

Kiwi children face cyberbullying as more turn to AI support

New research has highlighted the prevalence of cyberbullying and the increasing reliance of children in New Zealand on artificial intelligence for emotional support. The 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report: Connected Kids provides a detailed view of the challenges facing parents of school-aged children as they manage risks associated with digital engagement. The report is based on an online study of 1,001 adults across New Zealand and has found that 13% of parents say their children have been victims of cyberbullying, while 23% disclose that their children are turning to AI companions for support. Generational shift The study identified a notable shift in the age at which children are receiving their first mobile phones. Adults reported, on average, being 24 when they first owned a mobile. However, this figure drops to an average age of 12 for the current generation of children. The data reveals that Generation Z acquired their first phone at 14, Millennials at 16, Generation X at 26 and Baby Boomers at 41. The decreasing age at which children become digitally connected reflects the growing role of technology in everyday life and highlights challenges for parents, many of whom had a different experience growing up. "Childhood today is radically different, and online activities blend into real life shockingly fast. Parents now play a frontline role in keeping their families safe as digital life starts earlier and earlier," said Mark Gorrie, Norton Managing Director APAC and father of two. Gorrie continued, "Our study reveals that on average, Kiwi adults today were 24 years old when they got their first mobile phone. But the generational gap is striking. Gen Z got theirs at just 14, Millennials at 16, Gen X at 26, and Boomers at 41. Children of parents in this study are getting their first mobile even earlier, with an average age of 12. With devices landing in kids' hands younger than ever, parents need both more support and a greater commitment to navigating the realities of raising digitally connected kids." Cyberbullying patterns The study outlines how cyberbullying is perpetrated and experienced. Of the parents surveyed who reported cases of cyberbullying, 41% indicated the perpetrator was a classmate or peer. Visual-led social media platforms are frequently cited in these incidents, with Snapchat and Instagram at the forefront (both at 33%), followed by Facebook (30%) and TikTok (28%). Bullying is not confined to social media alone, with 26% of parents indicating that their children were bullied via text messages. Almost half of parents (46%) stated they were aware that their child was experiencing cyberbullying before the child disclosed it, though 28% admitted they have not discussed online safety with their children. This gap between awareness and action leaves children potentially vulnerable when risks escalate. Screen time and digital boundaries Parents continue to face difficulties enforcing screen time limits. Although 72% attempt to set boundaries, children can often circumvent parental controls. The study found 21% of parents said their child admitted to bypassing restrictions, whilst another 31% found out later their child had done so secretly. Online risks encountered by children extend beyond excessive usage. Parents reported incidents including staying up late on devices (31%), accessing restricted sites (10%), sharing personal information with strangers (10%), viewing explicit material (9%), and cyberbullying others (4%). AI as a companion The emergence of AI as a digital companion is identified as a new trend, with 23% of parents reporting their children use AI for emotional support. Some parents express concern about the impact of AI, with 34% stating it is not beneficial for their child's learning or creativity. Despite these concerns, only 41% of parents have discussed AI-related risks, such as deepfakes and misinformation, with their children. "As AI-powered tools and AI companions become more common, parents face a bigger task than they may realise. Our study shows that around one in three Kiwi parents (30%) already take the right approach by regularly checking their child's devices – reviewing app usage, settings, and installed apps. It's a habit more Kiwi families should adopt to help guide children safely in the digital world." says Gorrie. Parental guidance and recommendations The report points to the importance of proactive engagement by parents in their children's digital lives. It recommends that parents begin conversations about online safety early, use parental control tools thoughtfully, teach children to recognise warning signs, model responsible technology use, and remain involved by regularly discussing online activity and trends. The findings underscore a need for ongoing education, support, and awareness for parents to help children navigate the complexities of the digital world safely as access to technology and AI becomes increasingly prevalent at younger ages.

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