Online Privacy

Give a kid a smartphone and someone’s name, and they’ll know everything about that person before dinner. At least that’s how the joke goes. In this context, it’s all good fun, but when it comes to our kids and their safety, online privacy is no joke.

In today’s digital world, the need to protect children’s personal information is something many of us are aware of. But how do we accomplish this?

What is Online Privacy?

Online privacy refers to the protection of personal information shared and stored on the internet. This encompasses data such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and more sensitive information. 

For children, online privacy is crucial as they interact with various websites and online services that may collect their personal information.

It’s one of the major risks for parents to be aware of.

The Importance of Online Privacy

Protecting children’s personal information safeguards them from identity theft, data breaches, and inappropriate content. It also ensures that their online activities do not expose them to predators or cyberbullying. 

By emphasizing online privacy, parents can help their children navigate the internet safely and responsibly.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law in the United States designed to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13. 

The act places certain requirements on operators of websites and online services regarding the disclosure, use, and collection of personal information from children.

Key Aspects of COPPA:

Parental Consent

• Websites and online services must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13.

Privacy Policy

• Operators must post a clear and comprehensive privacy policy detailing their information practices regarding children.

Data Minimization

• Only collect as much personal information as necessary for the activity.

Security Measures

• Implement reasonable security measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and security of children’s personal data.

Access and Deletion

• Parents have the right to review and delete their children’s personal information collected by the website or service.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces the COPPA rule. While the FTC has taken action against several companies for COPPA violations (a civil penalty of $51,744 per violation), the vast and ever-changing landscape of the internet makes comprehensive enforcement challenging. 

COPPA provides a strong framework for protecting children’s online privacy, but its effectiveness relies on vigilant enforcement, ongoing technological updates, and informed parents. 

By setting 13 as the de facto age of internet adulthood, COPPA (likely unintentionally) created a significant gap in online safety for teens.

While the legislation does offer essential protections for children under 13, the arbitrary age limit has inadvertently opened the door to many of the challenges we see today, such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and mental health issues.

COPPA is the reason why most social media platforms are 13+, despite growing evidence that they are not suitable for kids and teens, no matter the age. The ongoing shortcomings of COPPA have led to the development and proposal of new legislation, such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), and COPPA 2.0, which seek to address the broader spectrum of online risks that COPPA alone has not managed to cure.

How to Teach Kids About Online Privacy

Teaching our kids to stay safe online is the best course of action. 

1. Start Early

Introduce the concept of online privacy to your children as soon as they start using digital devices. Explain why it’s important not to share personal information such as their full name, address, or phone number without parental consent.

2. Set Ground Rules

Establish clear guidelines for what your children can and cannot share online. Make sure they understand the types of information that should remain private, such as date of birth, school name, credit card information, and vacation plans. 

3. Use Privacy Settings

Teach your kids how to use privacy settings on social media platforms and other websites. Show them how to make their profiles private and limit the visibility of their information.

4. Discuss the Risks

Explain the potential dangers of sharing personal information online, including identity theft and cyberbullying. Use age-appropriate examples to make the conversation relevant and understandable.

5. Monitor Online Activity

Regularly check your children’s online activity. Use parental controls and monitoring tools to keep track of the websites they visit and the information they share.

Practical Tips for Parents

Protecting your child’s online privacy requires a proactive and informed approach. One of the first steps is to educate yourself about the latest online privacy protection laws and practices. Understanding the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and other regulations is crucial in guiding your children effectively. Staying informed allows you to implement best practices and recognize potential threats.

Utilizing parental controls and kid safe devices can significantly enhance your ability to restrict and monitor your child’s internet usage. These tools help filter inappropriate content, limit access to the internet, and prevent data collection from unknown sources, providing an additional layer of security. 

It’s also important to introduce technology to children in steps, gradually increasing their access and responsibilities as they grow and mature. By doing so, you can help them develop healthy digital habits and a better understanding of online risks.

Regularly reviewing the websites your children visit and the apps they use ensures you stay aware of their online activities, enabling you to adjust their access as needed.

Creating strong, unique passwords for your children’s online accounts is another essential measure. Teach your children the importance of password security and the necessity of keeping these passwords confidential. Strong passwords act as a critical defense against unauthorized access to their accounts and personal information.

Discussing social media usage is vital since these platforms are major collectors of personal data. Many experts now suggest keeping kids off of social media until later in their teens.

If you feel your kid is ready for social media, ensure they understand the importance of keeping their profiles private and only accepting friend requests from people they know in real life. Regularly review their social media settings and posts together to reinforce safe sharing practices.

Being a role model is one of the most effective ways to teach your children about online privacy. Demonstrate good online privacy habits by protecting your own personal information and explaining why it’s important. If you have social media accounts, make sure to protect your child’s privacy.

Being a role model is one of the most effective ways to teach your children about online privacy.

Many parents mean well but are guilty of oversharing about their children. Seemingly innocent details such as the child’s birth date, full name, and pictures can give strangers and “friends” too much information. 

Protecting your child’s online privacy is a critical aspect of modern parenting. By understanding the importance of online privacy, educating your children, and utilizing available tools and regulations like COPPA, you can help ensure their personal information is safe and secure. Stay proactive and engaged in your child’s online activities to foster a safe digital environment for them to explore and learn.

Incorporating these strategies and staying updated on the latest in information security will help protect your children in the digital age.

For more information on the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and how it impacts your family, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s official website.

Do you have any other questions about online privacy? What steps has your family taken to protect your child online? Share your thoughts in the comments.