Kenyan children are spending more time online as Kaspersky flags grooming, phishing and AI risks
Children in Kenya are increasingly using social media, video-sharing platforms and multiplayer games, exposing them to online risks including grooming, phishing and AI-generated deepfakes, according to new findings from Kaspersky.
An analysis of children’s online activity during the first eight months of 2026 found that YouTube, YouTube Kids and TikTok were the most-used mobile applications among children in Kenya. YouTube accounted for 23.5% of activity, followed by YouTube Kids and TikTok, each at 17%.
Kaspersky’s analysis also identified multiplayer gaming and communication platforms among the online resources accessed by children. Roblox featured among the top 10 most visited resources, with children accessing the gaming platform on both smartphones and computers. Discord, a platform that allows users to communicate and form online communities, was also among the resources accessed on desktop devices.
The cybersecurity firm warned that the direct communication enabled by multiplayer games and online communities can expose children to strangers who may attempt to manipulate or deceive them.
According to Kaspersky, online grooming remains a significant threat, with malicious actors potentially using trust-building tactics to obtain personal photos or videos, arrange meetings outside the internet or later use shared material for blackmail. Children may also be targeted for phishing and attempts to involve them in harmful or illegal activities.
The growing use of generative artificial intelligence is adding another dimension to online safety concerns, particularly through the creation of deepfakes. Kaspersky said images and videos shared online can potentially be manipulated or repurposed to create fabricated content that could be used in cyberbullying.
“The same basic safety rules that protect children offline apply online. Malicious actors may pose as peers or use information shared on social media to gain a child’s trust. Parents should encourage children not to interact with strangers, share personal photos or sensitive information, or keep online conversations secret. Just as importantly, children should know they can always turn to a trusted adult if something makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Open communication at home is one of the most effective ways to help children navigate online risks,” said Andrey Sidenko, Head of Child Online Safety at Kaspersky.
Kaspersky said parents can help children reduce their exposure to online threats by discussing safe digital habits, monitoring what information they share publicly and using parental control tools.
“Parents and children should understand the most common threats, from fraud, phishing and cyberbullying to online grooming, while also staying alert to emerging risks associated with generative AI. Content shared publicly can be repurposed to create fake images or videos, potentially affecting a child’s privacy and digital reputation. Helping children develop good digital habits, think carefully about what they share online and use tools such as parental controls, for example Kaspersky Safe Kids, can go a long way toward improving their protection,” added Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa at Kaspersky.
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