The Crypto Generation: Kids And Crypto Investing

Investing in cryptocurrencies is a hot topic, and many parents are wondering if they should be doing it on behalf of their children. While there is no minimum age requirement to own crypto, most major platforms won't allow minors to buy it. So, if a child wants to invest in crypto, they will need the help of a parent or guardian.

There are several ways for adults to buy crypto for children. One way is to use a specialised app, such as EarlyBird, which lets adults set up custodial investment accounts and crypto wallets on behalf of children. Another option is to buy cryptocurrency ETFs or mutual funds and put them in a child's custodial investment account. Alternatively, an adult can buy crypto on an exchange and then transfer it to a hardware wallet, which can be gifted to the child.

It's important to remember that crypto is a risky investment and can be extremely volatile. Therefore, it's generally recommended that crypto makes up only a small portion of an investment portfolio.

Crypto for kids: the pros and cons

In today's world, cryptocurrency is becoming an increasingly popular way to invest and spend money. With its rising popularity, many parents are considering whether it is a good idea to introduce their children to the world of crypto. While there are some potential benefits to this, there are also some risks and drawbacks that parents should be aware of. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of crypto for kids and provide some guidance on how to navigate this complex topic.

The Pros of Crypto for Kids

One of the main advantages of introducing children to cryptocurrency is that it can help improve their financial literacy. By learning about crypto, kids can gain a better understanding of financial markets, risk and reward, and the value of money. Additionally, given the long time horizon for investments, if children invest in crypto at a young age, it could grow significantly in value by the time they need it for expenses.

Another benefit is that crypto can be a good way to diversify a child's investment portfolio. Investing in crypto can be risky, but if done as part of a well-rounded portfolio and under the guidance of a parent or guardian, it could pay off in the long run. Many people believe that blockchain technology, which is integral to crypto, is the future of money, and it is likely that children will benefit from being familiar with it from an early age.

Furthermore, there are now many apps and platforms that cater specifically to kids interested in crypto, making it easier and more accessible for them to get involved. These platforms often have educational components, helping kids to improve their financial literacy while they invest.

The Cons of Crypto for Kids

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to crypto for kids is the volatile nature of the market. Cryptocurrency values can fluctuate wildly, and there is a risk of losing some or all of the investment. This volatility can be difficult for adults to navigate, let alone children, and it could potentially lead to significant financial losses.

Another drawback is that the crypto industry is largely unregulated, and there is a risk that certain cryptocurrencies could be banned or restricted by governments. This lack of regulation also extends to the issue of safety, as crypto wallets and exchanges have been targeted by scams and hacks, resulting in significant financial losses for investors.

Additionally, while there are no laws forbidding minors from investing in crypto, most major crypto exchanges require users to be at least 18 years old. This means that, in most cases, parents or guardians would need to set up and manage crypto accounts on behalf of their children, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.

Introducing children to cryptocurrency can have both benefits and drawbacks. While it can improve financial literacy and provide opportunities for diversification, the volatile and unregulated nature of the market poses significant risks. Ultimately, the decision to involve children in crypto investing should be made carefully, with a full understanding of the potential pros and cons. When done responsibly, crypto can be a way to teach children about finance and technology, but it is important to proceed with caution and seek expert advice where needed.

How to open a crypto account for a child

Firstly, it's important to note that while there isn't a minimum age requirement to own cryptocurrency, most major crypto platforms, including traditional brokerage firms, won't let a child buy crypto until they become an adult. So, if a minor wants to invest in the crypto space, they will need the help of a parent or guardian.

• Choose the type of account: You can open a custodial account, joint account, or another type of account that allows the child to earn crypto without directly buying it. A custodial account is owned by the child, but managed by a parent or guardian. A joint account is co-owned by two people, usually spouses, but can also be between a parent and child.
• Select a platform: Research and compare different crypto platforms to find one that suits your needs. Consider factors such as fees, investment selection, security, and the crypto exchange being used.
• Register and open an account: You will need to provide basic identification information for yourself and the child, such as a birthday and Social Security number. You will also need to fund the account with fiat currencies, such as US dollars or euros.
• Purchase and store cryptocurrency: Buy the desired cryptocurrency using the funds in the account. You can then store it in a hot wallet (online wallet) or a cold wallet (offline hardware wallet).
• Monitor and manage the account: Keep track of the account's performance and make any necessary adjustments. You can also use this as an opportunity to teach your child about crypto and investing.

• Risks: Cryptocurrencies are volatile and risky, so make sure you understand the potential dangers before investing.
• Regulation: Cryptocurrencies are not regulated by governments or banking institutions, so there is no safety net if something goes wrong.
• Tax implications: Buying and selling crypto may have tax consequences, so be sure to consult a tax advisor.
• Education: Use this as an opportunity to educate your child about crypto, blockchain technology, and financial literacy.

The risks of crypto for children

While the future of finance, cryptocurrencies are a risky investment for anyone, especially children. Crypto is largely unregulated, and its value is derived from the willingness of people to purchase and use it. This means that the value of a cryptocurrency can fluctuate wildly, and there is a high chance of losing money.

Anonymity and Age Verification

The anonymous nature of cryptocurrency transactions means that anyone can set up and access a crypto wallet. Some online exchanges do not verify the age of their users, and children can transact using various crypto wallets with no consequences. This makes it easier for online predators to target children and makes children more vulnerable to scams and fake platforms.

Irreversible Transactions

Unlike traditional finance, there are no safety nets in the crypto sector. Once a transaction is made, it is irreversible. This makes it risky for children who may not fully understand the implications of their actions.

Volatility

The value of cryptocurrencies can change dramatically due to their high volatility. Stories of people doubling their money may appeal to teenagers, but it is important to remember that crypto investments can also result in significant losses.

Lack of Regulation

The crypto sector is largely unregulated, and there are no government or banking institutions overseeing cryptocurrencies. This means that there is no protection for investors if something goes wrong.

Data Privacy

Blockchain technology, which is used by cryptocurrencies, records information permanently and immutably. This could conflict with data privacy regulations, such as the European Union's "right to be forgotten". Children who volunteer their information without understanding the consequences should have the right to delete that information when they are of legal age.

Scams and Fraud

Children who are inexperienced in the crypto sector are more likely to fall victim to scams and fraud. Criminals may target children to launder illegal money, and children may not be able to recognise these schemes.

Crypto as a long-term investment for kids

Technically, there is no age limit to buy crypto, but many cryptocurrency exchanges have a minimum age requirement of 18 years. This means that children can own cryptocurrencies, but they will need help from their parents or guardians to buy them.

Crypto is pushing the boundaries of technology and investment, so it can be a great way to get your kids interested in financial literacy. Crypto is also highly volatile, which can work in your favour if your child has a long time horizon for their investments. For example, a child investing $50 every month for 60 years with an 8% interest rate could see returns of over $750,000.

How to Invest in Crypto for Kids

As children cannot buy crypto directly, parents can buy it on their behalf and later gift it to them. This can be done by setting up a custodial account or a joint account. A custodial account is owned by the child but run by the parent, whereas a joint account gives both parent and child equal rights over investment decisions.

Risks of Crypto for Kids

Crypto is a risky investment due to its volatility and the lack of regulation. It is important to remember that your child could lose some or all of their investment. There is also a risk of fraud or hacking, and no safety net if something goes wrong as no government or banking institutions regulate cryptocurrencies.

Benefits of Crypto for Kids

Crypto is likely to play an increasingly important role in the future of finance, so it can be beneficial for children to get to grips with it early on. Investing in crypto can also help children improve their financial literacy and teach them about risk management.

How to talk to kids about crypto

You may be wondering how to talk to your kids about crypto, especially if they have shown an interest in it or you are considering investing in it for them. Here are some tips and talking points to help you get started:

• Explain the basics: Start by explaining what cryptocurrency is and how it works. You can describe it as a type of digital money that uses blockchain technology to secure transactions. You can also mention that it is not issued by any government and exists only in digital form.
• Discuss the risks: Be sure to communicate the risks associated with cryptocurrency. Explain that its value can decline sharply and that it is a risky investment. You can give examples of extreme price volatility, such as the rise and fall of Bitcoin, to illustrate this point.
• Talk about safety: Highlight the importance of safeguarding cryptocurrency and the use of cryptography and blockchain technology to ensure security. Explain that while crypto is generally safe, there are still risks of scams, hacks, and fraud.
• Compare it to traditional currency: Help your child understand that crypto can be used like traditional fiat currencies to buy goods and services. However, it is important to note that not all retailers accept crypto, and it may be difficult to use it for everyday purchases.
• Discuss spending and trading crypto: Explain that spending crypto involves using it to buy items or services, similar to using traditional currency. Discuss the process of creating a crypto account and the different types of crypto wallets (hot wallets and cold wallets).
• Emphasize the difference between crypto and virtual currencies in games: Make it clear that investing in cryptocurrency is not like spending virtual currencies in video games, where there are no real monetary losses.
• Talk about blockchain technology: Explain that blockchain is a verification system that is integral to cryptocurrency. You can describe it as a distributed ledger that records transactions securely and decentrally.
• Discuss the potential benefits: While crypto is risky, it can also offer potential benefits. You can mention the growing popularity of blockchain technology and the opportunity for your child to learn about this innovative field.
• Encourage financial literacy: Use the discussion about crypto as an opportunity to teach your child about financial literacy. Talk about investing, saving, and managing money wisely. You can even involve them in researching reputable sources and identifying potential scams.
• Consider your child's age and maturity: Adapt your conversation to your child's age and level of understanding. For younger children, focus on basic money management concepts, while for older children, you can go into more detail about the complexities of crypto.
• Seek additional resources: If you need more guidance, there are many resources available online, such as articles, tutorials, and apps that can help you explain crypto to your children. You can also seek advice from financial advisors or experts in the field.

Remember to tailor your conversation to your child's level of understanding and always encourage them to ask questions. By providing clear and honest information, you can help your children develop a better understanding of cryptocurrency and make informed decisions about it in the future.

Frequently asked questions