Tech and online
Social engineering
Psychological manipulation used to trick people into revealing confidential information or taking actions that compromise their security.
In plain English
Psychological manipulation used to trick people into revealing confidential information or taking actions that compromise their security.
Why it matters
Social engineering targets people, not technology. Examples include pretending to be a friend, authority figure, or tech support. Children are particularly vulnerable to urgency, flattery, and free-gift hooks. Pausing and verifying is the simplest defence.
Related
Risks and topics
Sources
- Social engineering: a guide— National Cyber Security Centre
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17