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The topic of protecting our children’s online data is of utmost importance. The internet is full of learning opportunities and entertainment for our kids, but the web is replete with daunting challenges for parents, teachers, governments, and the rest of society.
During Data Privacy Week 2024, the NCA Executive Director spoke to Kalinda Raina of LinkedIn about safeguarding the privacy of minors and how parents, teachers, and the rest of society can come together to protect the privacy of the next generation.
Watch the recording above for a deep dive into the topic.
Why do we care so much about the next generation’s privacy? The NCA is a nonprofit, and we’re on a mission to create a more secure, interconnected world for this generation and the next. We advocate for the safe use of all technology and educate everyone on how best to protect ourselves, our families, and our organizations from cybercrime. We have hundreds of free resources available to the public, along with plenty of articles for kids!
Our society is responsible for ensuring our children can navigate the digital landscape safely without collecting their data before they are old enough to apply for a credit card. We can set them up for success in our connected world and raise them to be responsible digital citizens who will shape the future.
Kids’ Data Privacy Statistics
In 2022, some 1.7 million children fell victim to a data breach, meaning 1 in every 43 kids had personal information exposed or compromised, according to a survey by Javelin Strategy and Research.
Almost 90% of Americans told Pew they were concerned about social media platforms having the personal information of children. Most of us think parents hold the primary responsibility for their kids’ online safety, but about 60% say tech companies are also partially responsible, and almost half think the government shares a responsibility as well. Like other aspects of cybersecurity, everyone in society has a role to play.
How Can We Move Forward?
What can we all do to protect our kids’ data? One key thing is staying positively engaged. If you’re a parent, get in there with your kids, surf the web together, show interest in their online communities, and when they come across a game, website, or platform asking for their data, turn it into a learning moment. It’s all about trust and open communication.
Supporting good choices is crucial. Give your kids a bit more online freedom as they prove they can handle it responsibly. And let’s not forget about cybersecurity – keep those computers protected with the latest software updates, because, let’s face it, the online world is like a constantly changing game.
Review privacy settings together. Make it a family decision. Teach your kids to think critically about what they see online, and remind them that what goes on the internet can stick around forever.
A Goal for Society
Protecting children’s data privacy is a collective imperative. By reaching for this goal, we work to safeguard our kid’s innocence, foster digital citizenship, and cultivate a future generation capable of responsible online engagement. We can work together to build a society where trust, integrity, and ethical behavior prevail.
By shielding children from potential harm, we fortify the foundation of a safer internet for all. By prioritizing kid’s privacy, we champion a shared commitment to nurturing a culture where every child can explore, learn, and connect online without compromise.
When we have a goal to protect children’s data privacy, we make an investment in a better, more responsible digital society for everyone. By reading this, you show that you share that goal, and we’re ecstatic to see how much you all care. Let’s get to work!
