Call for parents to teach online privacy like road safety
Call for parents to teach online privacy like road safety
The UK’s data watchdog has recommended that parents integrate online privacy education into their children’s upbringing, paralleling the importance of stranger danger and road safety. This initiative follows research by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) revealing that three in four parents fear their child’s inability to make secure online privacy decisions.
Survey highlights gaps in digital awareness
In a survey of 1,000 UK parents of children aged four to eleven, 35% indicated they thought their children would exchange personal information for game tokens or other rewards. The study also found that 22% of children had disclosed health-related details to AI tools, while 24% shared their real name or address online. Children aged eight and nine were identified as being most vulnerable in this regard.
Experts urge proactive conversations
“Many families lack guidance on how to effectively communicate about online privacy with their children, suggesting a broader societal effort is necessary,” said Emily Keaney, deputy commissioner at the ICO.
“While parents often address harmful content and screen time, privacy discussions are frequently neglected. She emphasized the growing need for clear, actionable advice to empower families in these conversations,” noted Justine Roberts, founder of Mumsnet.
“Too often we are playing catch up, this is why it is important that parents feel confident having early, everyday conversations with children about the risks of being online and how to respond if something makes them uncomfortable,” added Dame Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner for England.
Parental engagement varies
The February survey highlighted that 21% of parents had never addressed online privacy with their children, while 38% engaged in such discussions less than once monthly. In contrast, 90% had conversed about screen time within the past month.
What constitutes online privacy
Online privacy encompasses a range of data, including names, ages, addresses, photographs, browsing history, voice recordings, and activities on social media and gaming platforms, the ICO said.
