Online safety guidance for families with a parent in the armed forces, covering long-distance communication, social media OPSEC, and supporting children during deployment.
Families where a parent is deployed or serving away from home face a distinct set of digital safety considerations. Children may be using video calls and messaging apps more heavily than peers to stay connected with their deployed parent, and the emotional challenges of deployment can increase vulnerability to online risks. There are also specific security considerations around what children share on social media about military movements or base locations, known as operational security (OPSEC).
Children who are separated from a parent due to deployment may seek additional connection and validation online, making them more susceptible to manipulation by online predators. At the same time, well-meaning social media posts by children — sharing a parent's location, deployment dates, or unit details — can inadvertently create security risks.