Complete Guide to Children's Online Privacy in 2026
Protect your children's privacy online. Guide to COPPA, parental controls, social media safety, and digital footprint management.
Children's Online Privacy
Children face unique privacy risks online. Their digital footprint starts early and can follow them for life.
Why Children's Privacy Matters
Long-Term Consequences
- Digital footprint affects future opportunities
- Data collected now persists for decades
- Identity theft can go undetected for years
Unique Vulnerabilities
- Less awareness of risks
- More trusting of requests
- Can't consent meaningfully
- Targeted by predators
COPPA: Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
Websites and apps must:
- Get parental consent for under-13s
- Explain data collection clearly
- Limit data retention
- Provide parental controls
Your Rights Under COPPA
- Review data collected
- Revoke consent
- Request deletion
- Refuse unnecessary collection
Protecting Children's Privacy
Social Media Safety
Age-Appropriate Platforms
- Respect age minimums (usually 13)
- Use kid-specific platforms when younger
- Supervise account creation
Privacy Settings
- Private accounts only
- No location sharing
- Limited friend/follower lists
- Disabled direct messages from strangers
What Not to Share
- School name or location
- Home address
- Phone numbers
- Full birthdate
- Daily schedules
Device Settings
Parental Controls
- Screen time limits
- App restrictions
- Content filtering
- Purchase controls
Location Services
- Disable when not needed
- Review which apps access location
- Turn off for social media
Educational Tools
Teaching Privacy
- Age-appropriate conversations
- Explain why privacy matters
- Role-play scenarios
- Review together regularly
Sharenting: Parent Oversharing
Parents should consider:
- Children can't consent to sharing
- Photos spread beyond intended audience
- Creates permanent digital record
- May cause embarrassment later
Best Practices
- Ask before posting older children
- Avoid embarrassing content
- Use private sharing for family
- Consider future impact
Children and Data Brokers
Data brokers collect information about children through:
- Family records
- School records
- Gaming platforms
- Social media
GhostMyData family plans protect children by:
- Removing from data brokers
- Monitoring for exposure
- Ongoing protection
Protect your family's privacy with our family plan.
Ready to Remove Your Data?
Stop letting data brokers profit from your personal information. GhostMyData automates the removal process.
Start Your Free ScanGet Privacy Tips in Your Inbox
Weekly tips on protecting your personal data. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Related Articles
What Is a Data Broker? The Legal Definition Most Privacy Services Get Wrong
California law has a specific legal test for data brokers that excludes companies with direct user relationships. Most privacy services ignore it. Here's why it matters.
Complete Guide to Email Privacy in 2026
Protect your email privacy with this comprehensive guide. Learn about email aliases, encryption, and how to stop email tracking.
Complete Guide to Phone Number Privacy in 2026
Protect your phone number from data brokers, robocalls, and SIM swapping. Comprehensive phone privacy guide.