Children’s storybook turns cyber safety into a magical adventure for kids

• IN PHOTO: TechWatch PH CEO and Editor-in-Tech Art Samaniego holds a copy of “The Kingdom of Privacy: Cybersecurity Awareness for Kids”.

As children spend more time learning, playing, and communicating online, a new children’s storybook is turning cyber safety into a magical adventure meant to help young readers understand how to protect themselves in cyberspace.

Titled “The Kingdom of Privacy: Cybersecurity Awareness for Kids,” the illustrated book written by TechWatch PH CEO and Editor-in-Tech Art Samaniego introduces children, in a creative way, to online privacy, personal data protection, digital responsibility, and common cyber threats through a fantasy-themed story set in Cyber-Land.

In his foreword, Samaniego said children are among the most vulnerable members of society as they navigate online spaces that continue to expose them to new risks.

“Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society. While the internet has opened a world of learning, creativity, and connection, it has also exposed young users to risks that previous generations never had to face,” Samaniego said.

“From sharing too much personal information to encountering online scams, cyberbullying, and harmful content, children often navigate a digital world they may not fully understand,” Samaniego added.

The book explained cybersecurity concepts using child-friendly ideas and characters. Personal data is treated as a special treasure, consent is introduced through the “Golden Key,” multi-factor authentication is explained through the “Double-Gate Spell,” and suspicious links and messages are presented as “Sneaky Bait.”

Through these story elements, young readers are taught to think carefully before sharing personal information, clicking links, answering strangers, or giving away passwords and one-time passwords.

The book also reminds children to ask help from parents, teachers, or trusted adults whenever they are unsure about something they see or receive online.

The story tackles several risks that children may encounter in cyberspace, including phishing, scam calls, fake profiles, cyberbullying, harmful content, social engineering, money mule schemes, and unsafe digital transactions. It also encourages children to practice good cyber hygiene, respect other people’s privacy, and become responsible users of digital platforms.

The children’s book comes at a time when young users are increasingly exposed to online games, social media, messaging apps, digital payments, and other internet-based services. With these platforms becoming part of everyday life, the book highlights the need to teach children not only how to use technology, but also how to stay safe while using it.

Through “The Kingdom of Privacy,” cyber safety is presented not as a complicated technical subject, but as a simple and imaginative lesson that children, parents, and schools can use to start conversations about privacy, safety, and responsibility in the digital world.