Children are assigned a social security number at birth, granting them an identity that can be susceptible to theft. While young children typically do not have a credit file, parents can actively create one with credit bureaus and subsequently freeze it as a protective measure. This proactive approach is crucial due to the alarming trend of rising child identity theft, which is occurring at a faster rate than that of adults. Although the process involves mailing in forms, it is a valuable investment of time for parents to ensure their children's identities remain secure.