Nowadays, there are many search engines available, allowing you to download a variety of content within seconds. You know torrent search is also one of them. However, many parents are debating whether torrent search is safe for kids or not. Well! The answer is no.
So, keep reading this blog to know the risks associated with the usage of Torrent search. Also, we’ll guide you about what protective measures you can take to ensure a safe digital experience for kids.
What is torrent search？
“Torrent search is a kind of search engine where, instead of websites, you’ll find your search results in files and download them via peer-to-peer networks.”
Let me explain this concept clearly with an example for better understanding! Suppose you want to download a Linux operating system ( > 5Mb file size) on your device. Okay! Now, you’ll open the torrent search engine and in the search bar type its name. Thus, many of the files will open before you. You need to choose one and download it.
Here, the amazing thing is that instead of downloading your desired file from one server. Your computer would collect its small pieces from different users through the P2P networks using the BitTorrent protocol.
Take Charge of Their Online Adventures!
Common uses and types of download resources
Well! For your information, you can use the torrent search engines to find different kinds of digital resources. For instance;
- Games: PC, console, or mobile games (EXE, ISO, APK).
- Music: Audio files (MP3, FLAC, WAV) such as albums, singles, or podcasts.
- Large Data Sets & Projects: Research or open-source data (CSV, JSON, ZIP).
- Movies & TV Shows: Video files (MP4, MKV, AVI) like the latest films and series.
- Software & Applications: Programs and utilities (EXE, DMG, ZIP), including open-source software.
- Operating Systems: OS installation files (ISO, IMG) such as Linux distributions or Windows ISO.
- eBooks & Educational Material: Text and learning files (PDF, EPUB, DOCX) like novels, research papers, tutorials.
How do torrent search engines work？
Now, you might have a better idea about what the torrent search engine is, right? However, for a better understanding, let’s dive deeper and know how this basically works.
i) Torrent files vs magnet links: First of all, keep in mind that if you are using the torrent search engine, then it does not itself download your desired content like Google. Instead, it first gives instructions to the BitTorrent ( system software) via torrent files or magnet links. Then the next process begins.
Let’s have a quick look at the torrent files or magnet links!
| Torrent files | Magnet links | |
| Download Needed | Yes, download a small “.torrent” file first | No need to download any file first |
| How It Works | Open the torrent file in a torrent client to start downloading | Click the magnet link, and it directly starts downloading in your torrent client |
| Contains Info | Contains metadata about the file and peer locations | Contains a unique hash code that helps locate peers without needing a file |
| Ease of Use | Slightly more steps (download file → open in client) | More convenient, just click and download |
| Storage | Requires storing the small torrent file on your device | No extra file storage needed |
ii) Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks: Next, once you download your torrent file or just click on the magnet link. Your torrent client, like BitTorrent, takes control of downloading your content using the P2P technology.
You know BitTorrent is the main system that first basically guides your computer on splitting files with multiple users ( peers). These peers would be those who have already downloaded your desired file. Thus, this system too assembles all those pieces.
You know, the time you are downloading the file, you are also sharing it with others. It’s actually the most effective method to download the larger files within a short while.
iii) The Role of Trackers: Now you know trackers are also an important part of the story. For instance, these are actually the hidden tycoons that help the torrent client find the peers. You know, they actually contain a list of data about which peers have which part of the file. That’s interesting, right?
So, in this way, all the above-mentioned factors work together, and finally, you get your desired file within seconds. Downloading copyrighted material without permission can lead to legal issues. A report from the Electronic Frontier Foundation emphasizes the importance of understanding copyright laws in your region.
Why is torrent search dangerous for children？
Exposure to inappropriate and explicit content
First of all, keep in mind that this search engine does not have a system for monitoring what kind of files people are uploading there. As a result, people may upload the inappropriate files under innocent names like games, cartoons, etc.
You know early exposure to mature content would badly impact your kids’ mental health. For instance, they would develop the wrong idea about the true relationships and set unrealistic beauty standards.
Malware, viruses, and cybersecurity threats
Furthermore, the torrent files or magnet links are basically the weapon for spreading malware or viruses on your device. So, when kids click on the link, then instead of downloading a movie, a virus downloads on your device. It may hacks your personal data or may cause the system to crash.
Privacy concerns and online tracking
When you access the torrent search engine your IP address becomes visible to them. Thus, using this IP address ( a numeric tag for device identity), they would track your kids’ online behavior.
Scams, phishing, and deceptive links
In addition, the torrent sites also host different pop-ups and ads, and fake download buttons, which trick the kids into stealing their personal data. Thus, using this personal information, they start blackmailing your kids and demanding money.
Addiction and time consumption
As it allows its users to download any kind of movies, games, etc. So, there is more likely that kids may spend a lot of time while searching for new content. However, that excessive time isn’t okay for them. As it would distract them from their studies, social interactions, and even affect their sleep.
How to search for torrents safely (if at all)?
If you are looking for ways to safely use the torrents, then be happy as there are some tricks that you can follow to ensure a safe experience.
- Use a Reputable VPN: First of all, as we have told you that torrents may track your online activity via IP addresses. So, to prevent this, you can make use VPN ( Virtual Private Network). By activating this software, the sites you visit would only see the VPN server address, not your IP address.
- Use an antivirus software: Furthermore, it’s always a good practice to have a reliable antivirus software installed on your devices. So, when you run this software, this scans all of your downloaded files and automatically blocks the malicious files before you could access them. That’s an amazing approach while using the torrent site, right?
- Using a firewall: Moreover, for complete monitoring of your device, you can make use of a firewall. Well! It acts like a digital bodyguard between your computer and the Internet. It has basically the task of keeping an eye on all the data coming in and out of the device. Also, the amazing this is that it automatically blocks the viruses or malware programs from accessing your drive system.
- Exercise Extreme Caution with Downloads: Also, I would say that you need to be extremely careful while using the torrents. For instance, before downloading any file, they have to read the comments of people and verify the file size. This is because too short or too large files are a warning that they are fake.
- Keep Operating Systems and Software Updated: Lastly, it’s always advisable to keep your device software updated. That’s important regarding your system security to protect it from malware risks. This is because developers always release updates to remove bugs and make it much harder for system viruses to target.
Protecting children from torrent search risks
Being a parent, you might have asked your kids not to use the torrent search engine because of the above-mentioned risks. However, it is more likely that kids may not follow your instructions, right? Don’t worry! You can follow some strategies to ensure safe searching of torrents. For instance;
Have open communication
If you want your kids to follow your instructions, then you must have a friendly bond with them. Thus, they never hesitate to share with you anything about their online activities. So, if you find that your kids are also using the torrent site, then make them aware of their risks.
Also, guide them that if they are facing anything disturbing online, like explicit content, or even phishing scams. Then, instead of getting trapped, they have to come to you. Tell them that you are always with them.
Implement Network-Level Content Filtering
Next, you can make use of network-level filters like your router’s built-in parental control features. You know modern routers allow you to filter content, like even the torrent sites. So, you can make use of them to ensure your kids’ digital safety.
Deploying parental control tools
However, if you want complete peace of mind regarding your kids’ digital safety, then it’s recommended to make use of third-party parental control apps. However, keep in mind that not all third-party apps are trustworthy. So, to help you in this regard, we would suggest using the FlashGet Kids parental control apps.
This app basically acts as a digital bodyguard of kids. It combines advanced monitoring features, thus keeping them safe from potential online dangers. For instance;
- App blocker: Moreover, you can also restrict your kids from accessing the newly downloaded apps or games. Thus, keeping them safe from getting exposed to explicit content.
- Screen time: Also, owing to this app, you can set time restrictions on the usage of specific apps, games, etc. Thus, you can help maintain a balance between digital and real-life activities. Also, if they try to exceed the set limit, then you will get an instant alert.
Conclusion
From all the above discussion, we have concluded that a torrent search engine is similar to Google like allowing you to locate your search content. However, it’s highly unsafe for kids because of the lack of privacy settings. Thus, it’s best to restrict your kids from signing up for this search engine.
For adding an extra protection layer, you can make use of FlashGet kids, it keeps you updated about your kids’ every digital whereabouts with real-time alerts.
FAQs
To search for the torrent files, you just need to open the torrent search engine and type the name of the content, like games, TV shows, etc. Thus, you will find a lot of torrent files here. However, before downloading, you need to check the comments posted below the file link to eliminate the risks of malware.
It’s obvious that we can’t tag anything best; it’s defined by different factors. Similarly, the best torrent search depends on the type of content you are searching for. However, for your information, The Pirate Bay, 1337x, and RARBG are among the popular options.
Absolutely not, torrent search engines aren’t safe for kids’ content. For kids, it’s always advisable to use the official platforms that have parental control settings.
