Guarding Innocence: Investigating the Privacy Landscape of Children’s App Data

Privacy concerns have grown as children spend more time using apps and games for educational and entertainment purposes. Children today are at risk from excessive levels of peer pressure and cyberbullying, as well as inappropriate content, online stalking, and screen addiction.

Perhaps one of the most severe but neglected issues is that of privacy. In most jurisdictions, children under 13 cannot have their data sold to data brokers. Yet, a huge amount of data is amassed during their formative years. When a child becomes an adult they can remove their sensitive information or opt out of people search sites altogether. But why not start securing your child’s digital footprint from the outset?

It’s up to parents and guardians to learn about privacy risks and make informed choices on how their children use mobile apps and which platforms have the best privacy measures and age-appropriate content.

Privacy risks associated with children’s app data

According to The London School of Economics and Political Science, children are more concerned about relationships with friends online than the impact of data collection and poor privacy policies. Nevertheless, teaching children how companies and others use their personal information is vital.

After all, a long-term digital footprint can impact a child’s future. Not only can a lack of privacy lead to mental health issues, it can also affect potential employment opportunities, academic admissions, real-world relationships, and personal and professional reputations.

It’s crucial to instill in children the significance of safe and responsible online behavior and the possible dangers of sharing personal information. This approach can promote positive behavior among their immediate social network, making everyone safer.

Methods for guarding children’s app data privacy

Weak security measures or inadequate parental controls can lead to a third-party accessing data without permission. Deceptive and malicious practices can result in manipulative marketing tactics, stolen identities, or harassment of children. Implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication is standard, but it’s just part of what must be done to ensure privacy.

Equipping children with practical tools, guidelines, and educational tips can empower them to navigate the digital world confidently. Start by doing the following:

Read privacy policies and terms of service

• Review privacy policies and terms of service agreements thoroughly before agreeing.

TIP: Understand how your information will be used and protected. Remember to:

• Add parental controls and ways to limit data collection.
• Adhere to age restrictions and age-verification practices.
• Monitor online interactions, filter content and data sharing.
• Avoid pay-to-win models and apps with microtransactions.
• Use our safe app search resource to screen websites.

Use parental control tools

• Use parental control settings to manage their online activities, limit screen time, and control shared information.

TIP: Use content filters and restrictions, limit app downloads, and manage app permissions. Remember to:

• Apply content filters and restrictions.
• Limit the number of app downloads.
• Manage app permissions.
• Get tools for preventing cyberbullying.

Seek out the best reviews and recommendations

• Filter reviews to get the most informed recommendations.

TIP: Seek out reputable platforms and forums that specialize in app and website evaluations.

Remember to:

• Find reviews from trusted sources or experts in the field.
• Seek diverse opinions from various users or communities.
• Look for detailed assessments on specific drawbacks.
• Trust impartial, unbiased, and unsponsored reviewers.

Educate yourself and your child

• Teach your child about data privacy and responsible internet use. Tailor your approach to suit your child’s age and maturity level.

TIP: Tailor your approach to suit your child’s age and maturity level. Remember to:

• Discuss privacy basics, i.e., full name, address, school name, phone number, and passwords.
• Give real-life examples to illustrate the importance of safeguarding information.
• Explain what it means to be responsible online.
• Adapt the message to their age and level of maturity.

Stay updated on regulations

• Learn about the online privacy laws that apply to your children.

TIP: Look into online privacy laws specific to your region. Remember to:

• Check out the relevant COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) or GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) rules;
• Read up on updates or amendments to be fully aware of your rights.
• Trust authoritative federal and state sources, e.g., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC);
• Only accept reputable resources from organizations specializing in child online safety, e.g., the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU).

Use child-friendly platforms

• Choose platforms and apps that offer privacy protection and age-appropriate content.

TIP: Ensure your chosen apps and platforms align with your child’s age group to guarantee appropriate content.

• Opt for child-friendly platforms with suitable content.
• Prioritize apps labeled with “Kids” or “Family.”
• Verify privacy measures that prioritize privacy protection.
• Set advanced privacy settings for as much control as possible.

Engage in open communication

• Encourage open communication with your children about their online activities.

TIP: Start by discussing their enjoyable online experiences.

Remember to:

• Ask about internet activities: “What’s your favorite thing about using the internet?”
• Discover their online issues: “Do you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure about something you see or do online?”
• Encourage safe sharing: “Let’s talk about what information is safe to share online.”
• Set guidelines: “Can we set some guidelines together for internet usage?”.

Monitor downloads and app permissions

• Read about an app before downloading it to see if it involves targeted advertising or data mining.

TIP: Be cautious with permissions that seem unrelated to the app’s primary function. Remember to:

• Deny excessive permissions that seek unnecessary personal data.
• Scrutinize app descriptions before downloading.
• Assess user reviews to identify user concerns.
• Opt for essential permissions that don’t demand unnecessary access.

Secure devices and networks

• Secure your devices and home network.

TIP: Protect your devices with up-to-date security software and robust, unique passwords.

Remember to:

• Integrate encryption protocols to protect your home network.
• Incorporate firewalls for added security.
• Add host-file filters like Pi-Hole.
• Get commercial security software and a VPN

Encourage critical thinking and caution

• Teach children to question information, verify facts, and be cautious about sharing personal details.

TIP: Help your children adopt a well-rounded approach to digital safety and privacy. Remember to:

• Discuss real scenarios to identify misinformation and teach caution.
• Have a motto: use “Think Before You Click” as a quick reminder for online safety.
• Foster an environment where children feel comfortable asking questions about online content.
• Emphasize the importance of seeking clarification when uncertain about a given online situation.

Community and education in safeguarding children online

Beyond individual parental control measures, foster a community ethos that values online safety and privacy. Parents, teachers, and companies should collaborate to create a safer online environment for children. Working as a community can make online interactions safer. For instance, integrating comprehensive educational initiatives within schools, organizations, and homes can give children the confidence they need to navigate online environments.

Collaborative efforts among parents, educators, policymakers, and technology companies are pivotal in creating a more secure and nurturing online environment for our children. Improving internet and social media literacy and instating privacy-by-design regulations can enhance their experience.

Recommendations

It can be difficult to understand the world of children’s apps and the specific risks that exist for children. Even so, parents and other adults should find a balance between allowing children to use the latest technologies and ensuring their privacy and safety. While predicting the consequences of growing up online is tough, parents should remain vigilant in finding ways to shield their children’s sensitive information from bad actors.