Is Your Child’s Data Safe? Tips for Protecting Their Privacy Online

3 July 2025

The internet is like a giant playground—endless fun, fascinating stuff to explore, and unfortunately, a few bullies lurking in the shadows. As a parent, you've probably already worried once or twice (or a hundred times) about what your child is doing online. But there's one specific concern that often slips under the radar: their digital privacy.

Let’s be real—kids today are growing up with a screen in hand. Whether it's watching YouTube, gaming with friends, or trying out a new educational app, they’re constantly leaving digital footprints. And unless we take charge, someone might be following those footprints—with less-than-pure intentions.

So, if you're wondering, “Is my child’s data safe?”—you’re definitely not alone. Let's break it down and talk about how we, as parents, can keep our kiddos’ personal info locked up safe and sound in this wild digital world.

Why Should You Care About Your Child’s Data Privacy?

Now, you might be thinking, “My kid’s just watching cartoons and playing Roblox. What’s the big deal?”

Well, here’s the thing—kids are prime targets for data collection. Their identities are still fresh, which makes their data valuable and vulnerable. Some companies track their habits to serve ads, while others may sell the data to third-party advertisers. Creepy, right?

And cybercriminals? They love taking advantage of weak digital defenses. Imagine your child’s name, address, birthday, or even school name floating around in some shady corner of the web. That’s not something any of us want.

The Hidden Dangers of Kids Being Online

Sure, the internet is awesome. But it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Here’s what could go wrong if personal info falls into the wrong hands:

1. Identity Theft

Yes, even kids can have their identities stolen. And because they don’t use their Social Security number or credit very often, a stolen identity can go unnoticed for years.

2. Inappropriate Targeted Ads

Some apps collect data to serve personalized ads. What if those ads aren't age-appropriate? That’s a wake-up call none of us want.

3. Online Predators

Oversharing online (even unintentionally) can reveal info like school locations or daily routines—which can attract the wrong kind of attention.

4. Bullying and Harassment

Sometimes, it’s not just strangers but peers who misuse shared data. Think embarrassing pictures or private messages falling into the wrong hands.

Common Ways Kids’ Data Gets Collected

You’d be shocked at how quickly and quietly companies collect data from children. Here’s how they do it:

- Games and apps that require creating profiles or access to photos/microphones
- Websites with third-party cookies tracking browsing habits
- Educational tools and platforms, especially during online schooling
- Smart toys or devices that store and share information via the internet
- Social media apps where users often overshare

And no, those “Accept Cookies” pop-ups aren’t just harmless nags—they’re data collectors in disguise.

How Can You Tell If an App or Website Is Safe?

Not all tech is bad, of course. But as the gatekeepers, we need to be picky about what our kids download or log into. Ask yourself these questions:

- Does the app have parental controls?
- Do the privacy settings let you manage who sees what?
- Is there a privacy policy that clearly explains how data is used?
- Is the app COPPA-compliant? (This is a U.S. law that protects kids under 13 online.)

If the answers are fuzzy or if the app looks like it's been thrown together overnight, it’s probably not a safe choice.

10 Smart Tips to Protect Your Child's Privacy Online

You don’t need to be a tech expert to keep your child’s data safe. These practical, parent-friendly tips can make a huge difference:

1. Start Talking Early

Kids might not fully understand what "data privacy" means, but they do get the idea of secrets. Use relatable analogies like, "Would you tell a stranger your home address? No? Then don’t type it into just any website."

2. Teach Your Kids the “TMI Rule”

Too Much Information can be dangerous. Drill this into their heads: don't share full names, addresses, school names, or birthdays with anyone online—ever.

3. Use Child-Friendly Browsers and Search Engines

Platforms like Kiddle or KidzSearch are designed with privacy and safety in mind. They filter out sensitive content and limit tracking.

4. Lock Down Devices and Accounts

Use device-level parental controls to restrict downloads, set screen time, and filter content. Also, create strong, unique passwords for each account and don’t reuse them.

5. Review Privacy Settings Together

Sit down with your child and go through their apps or games. Adjust settings that expose their content to the public. Make this a regular thing—kind of like a digital health checkup.

6. Avoid Connecting Apps to Social Media

That “Log in with Facebook” option might save time, but it can open the floodgates to unnecessary data sharing. Whenever possible, use an email login instead (bonus points if it’s a parent-monitored account).

7. Say No to Location Sharing

Turn off location tracking in apps unless it's absolutely necessary. That innocent snap could reveal your child’s school, home, or weekend hangout spots.

8. Watch Out for Disguised Apps

Some apps look innocent, like a calculator or notepad, but are actually used for hiding messages or photos. Know what’s really on your child’s device.

9. Keep Devices Updated

You might groan every time you see "Update available," but updates often contain critical security patches. Keeping devices current helps fend off hackers.

10. Be the Example

Kids copy everything we do—yes, even our scrolling habits. Practice what you preach by being mindful about your own data sharing. If we’re setting boundaries for them, we better walk the walk.

Creating a Family Tech Agreement

This might sound a little formal, but a family tech agreement can work wonders. Outline expectations around screen time, appropriate apps, passwords, and what to do if something feels “off” online.

Make it a discussion, not a lecture. Include your child in the process so that they feel empowered and responsible, not just policed.

When It’s Time to Call in the Pros

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, weird things happen—strange charges on your card, emails from sites you’ve never heard of, or your child receiving sketchy messages.

If that occurs:

- Change all passwords immediately.
- Run an antivirus or anti-malware scan on all devices.
- Report suspicious activity to the platform it occurred on.
- Reach out to your internet provider for extra support tools or options.
- In extreme cases, contact legal authorities. Better safe than sorry.

Final Thoughts: Be Your Child’s Digital Bodyguard

Look, we get it. Parenting in the digital age is no joke. Between the constant tug-of-war over screen time and the whisper of tech jargon, it can feel overwhelming. But keeping your child’s data safe doesn’t have to be complicated.

Think of your child’s online presence like a scrapbook. Every app they use, every form they fill out—that’s another page. Let’s make sure we’re the ones holding the scissors and glue, not random strangers on the internet.

So, go forth, Mama Bears and Papa Wolves. Stand guard at the digital gate and make data safety just another part of everyday parenting. After all, just like teaching your kid how to cross the street, teaching them how to protect their privacy is a life skill they’ll thank you for later.

And yes, maybe even sooner than that.