Most people assume school Wi‑Fi is safe. It’s part of the school, right? There must be filters, security, someone managing it.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: school networks are often one of the least secure places your child can be online.
I learned this the hard way—after diving deep into what really happens on school Wi‑Fi, and how shockingly easy it is for personal data to leak, be tracked, or even intercepted. If your child connects to the internet at school, they may be far more exposed than you think.
What Makes School Wi‑Fi Risky?
Let me break it down simply. Most school networks are:
- Unencrypted – meaning others on the same network could potentially see your child’s activity
- Shared by dozens or hundreds of students – so there’s no isolation between devices
- Not designed for privacy – your child’s IP address and DNS requests are often completely exposed
- Inconsistently filtered – sometimes blocking harmless resources and letting through invasive ads or data trackers
And while schools do their best, most simply don’t have the budget or infrastructure to fully protect every student’s traffic.
What that means in practice:
Even something as basic as watching an educational video or logging into Google Docs can leave behind a digital trail that’s visible to third parties—ads, websites, apps, and yes, even other students.
What Can Actually Go Wrong?
It’s not just about inappropriate websites. These are real, common risks:
- IP address exposure: Websites and apps can see where your child is and which network they’re on.
- DNS leaks: Their searches and website visits may be visible to the school’s internet provider or logged by third-party DNS servers.
- WebRTC tracking: Many browsers leak internal IPs unless specifically blocked.
- Ad networks and analytics: These quietly track behavior, location, and device details—sometimes even embedding tracking pixels in educational tools.
- Peer-to-peer snooping: Believe it or not, tech-savvy students can run free apps that monitor the activity of others on the same network.
And no, your child doesn’t have to “do something wrong” for this to happen. Simply connecting to Wi‑Fi at school can be enough.
Why I Decided to Use a VPN
After understanding how exposed kids are on shared networks, I started looking for real solutions. Not just parental controls or browser settings—those only go so far.
What I needed was something that protected everything my kids do online, no matter where they are. Something that works in the background without them needing to think about it.
That’s when I turned to VPNs.
How a VPN Actually Protects Children
A good VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your child’s device and the internet. Here’s what it does in practice:
🔒 Encrypts all traffic
So even if someone is watching the network, they can’t see what your child is doing.
🛡️ Hides their real IP address
Websites, apps, and trackers only see the VPN server—not your child’s real location or identity.
🔐 Protects DNS requests
No one can see which websites they’re visiting—not the school, not the ISP, not third-party servers.
🚫 Blocks ads and trackers
Some VPNs (like Surfshark or NordVPN) include built-in malware blockers and ad protection that work even on school Wi‑Fi.
This isn’t about hiding. It’s about protecting privacy in a world where even educational tools sometimes track more than they should.
What If the School Controls the Device?
Many students use school-issued laptops or tablets that are locked down—so you can’t just install a VPN app.
But there are still workarounds:
- Use a VPN on your child’s personal phone or tablet, which often connects to the same school Wi‑Fi
- Install a VPN on your home router, so all devices are protected after school hours
- Use browser extensions, if the device allows Chrome or Firefox add-ons (some VPNs offer lightweight extensions that still encrypt traffic)
And if the school doesn’t allow VPNs at all, that should raise serious questions about whether privacy is being prioritized at all.
Extra Tips I Recommend to Other Parents
VPNs are powerful—but not the only layer of protection. Here’s what else I use and suggest:
- Turn off WebRTC in the browser to prevent accidental IP leaks
- Avoid saving passwords in Chrome or Safari—use a password manager instead
- Talk to your child about safe clicking, downloads, and online scams
- Use privacy-focused browsers or search engines (DuckDuckGo, Brave, etc.)
These small changes make a big difference.
Best VPNs for Kids and Families
If you’re wondering which VPNs actually work well for kids, here’s what I recommend based on real testing:
| VPN Service | Why I Recommend It | URL |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Strong privacy features, fast, apps with child-safe mode | Try NordVPN |
| Surfshark | Unlimited devices, built-in ad/malware blocker | Try SurfShark |
| ExpressVPN | Simple setup, highly reliable apps, works on most devices | Try ExpressVPN |
They’re all easy to install, and I’ve used them on everything from iPhones to laptops without any issues.
Final Thoughts
We lock our homes, install baby monitors, use car seats, and keep sharp objects out of reach. But when it comes to internet access, many kids are completely exposed—especially on school Wi‑Fi.
As a parent, I see it this way: a VPN is the seatbelt of the internet. Your kids may not always know when they’re at risk. But you do.
And you can do something about it.
