National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day: Protecting Our Children’s Future
Child identity theft occurs when someone steals a child’s personal information to commit fraud, often using their Social Security number, name, or date of birth to open accounts, apply for loans, or obtain services.
Quick Facts
When is it?: September 1st annually
Tagged as: Child Safety & Identity Protection Day
What’s the hashtag?: #StopChildIDTheft
When was it founded?: 2018
Who founded it?: Experian
History
Experian established this awareness day to address the growing concern of child identity theft. The date September 1st was chosen strategically to coincide with the back-to-school season, when parents are particularly focused on their children’s wellbeing and security.
Timeline
- 1964: Term “identity theft” coined
- 2017: Child identity theft losses reach $2.6 billion
- 2018: First National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day observed
- 2022: Over 915,000 children reported as victims
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 1st | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1st | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1st | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1st | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1st | Friday |
How It’s Observed
- Community awareness campaigns
- Educational workshops for parents
- Social media activism using #StopChildIDTheft
- School safety programs
- Credit monitoring initiatives
Fun Facts About Child Identity Protection
- Children are 51 times more likely to be identity theft victims than adults
- 60% of child identity theft is committed by someone the victim knows
- The average age of child victims is decreasing yearly
- Schools account for 61% of ransomware attacks targeting children’s data
Quiz
- When was National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day established?
- What company founded this awareness day?
- How many children were affected by identity theft in 2022?
(Answers: 2018, Experian, 915,000)
FAQs
Q: Can children have their credit frozen?
A: Yes, parents can request credit freezes for children under 16.
Q: How often should parents check their child’s credit?
A: Annually, or more frequently if suspicious activity is suspected.
Importance of This Day
- Raises awareness about digital safety for children
- Educates parents about preventive measures
- Promotes community vigilance
- Encourages better data protection practices
Related Awareness Days
- Cyber Security Awareness Month
- Data Privacy Day
- Internet Safety Day
- Consumer Protection Week
- Identity Theft Prevention Day