SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK

Stay involved and informed—regularly check the apps, games, and websites your child uses, and talk with them about the importance of keeping personal information private. Your guidance is the first and best defense against online privacy risks.

TODAY’S TOPIC

Protecting Your Child’s Privacy Online: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Today’s children are growing up in a world filled with smartphones, social media, online games, and educational apps. While technology brings incredible opportunities for learning and connection, it also opens the door to privacy risks many parents may not fully understand. From apps tracking your child’s location to websites collecting personal information like names, photos, and browsing habits, your child’s digital footprint may start forming before they can even spell "internet."

Unfortunately, children are often more vulnerable to online data collection. They may not fully grasp what it means to share personal information or recognize suspicious activity. This makes them easy targets—not just for advertisers and tech companies, but also for online predators. That’s why it’s so important for parents to be informed and proactive about how their child’s data is being used and who has access to it.

_{WHAT CAN YOU DO?}

The good news is that you don’t need to be a tech expert to take meaningful steps to protect your child’s online privacy. Start by knowing which platforms your child is using and reviewing their privacy settings together. Most websites and apps allow you to restrict data sharing or turn off tracking features. Encourage your child to come to you before signing up for a new app or online game.

It’s also essential to understand how big tech companies gather and use data. Many services use algorithms to track your child’s activity and target them with ads—often without your full consent. Teach your children not to share personal information like their full name, location, or school online. Make it a family rule to review app permissions and delete apps that collect unnecessary data. And finally, know your rights: federal and international laws are in place to give you and your child some control over their data.

• Know the Laws

  • COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act): U.S. law that protects kids under 13 by requiring websites and apps to get parental consent before collecting personal data.

  • GDPR-K (General Data Protection Regulation – Kids): A European law that includes extra privacy protections for children under 16, useful to know if your child uses international apps or games.
    

• Practical Privacy Tips

  • Set up parental controls on devices and browsers.

  • Use kid-safe search engines like Kiddle or KidRex.

  • Turn off location services for apps that don’t need it.

  • Avoid using real names for usernames.

  • Review privacy policies of all apps and games before allowing use.

  • Encourage open conversations about online behavior and privacy risks.
    

• Tools for Parents

  • Common Sense Media Privacy Guide

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Parent Resources

  • StaySafeOnline.org

Your child’s safety online starts with you. By staying informed and setting smart boundaries, you can help your kids explore the digital world safely—and teach them to be responsible digital citizens along the way.

▶ Slang Word of the Week: “Bussin’” – this word is used to describe something that is particularly tasty.