If you’re sending a kid into the world with a smartphone, a VPN is basically digital sunscreen. Proton is the one you want because they aren't some shady shell company in a tax haven; they're based in Switzerland and built by the same crew that made Proton Mail.
It’s not 'fun' and it won't keep them entertained, but as a piece of digital infrastructure, it's essential. Just be aware that it renders your fancy home web filters completely useless the second it's toggled on.



