What is personal information?
Personal information is anything that can be used to identify your child. This includes:
- Their name
- Email address or phone number
- Date of birth
- Home address or school name
- Photos or videos
- Usernames and passwords
It can also include your own details, like bank or payment information, especially if your child uses your account to buy things online.
How children share personal information
Children and young people often share personal information without meaning to. Here are some common ways:
- Setting up accounts: Apps and games often ask for names, birthdays, or email addresses. It’s best to help younger children set up accounts so you know what’s being shared.
- Talking about themselves: Children and young people love sharing photos, hobbies, and birthdays. Apps and games often encourage this.
- Accidental sharing: A photo including a location tag, a caption like #happytobehome, or an identifier like a school uniform might show where your child is, lives or goes to school.
- Being tricked: Some websites or pop-ups offer free prizes but ask for personal details. These can be scams.
How to help your child use privacy settings
You can help your child be safer by teaching them how to protect their personal information online.
1. Talk about safe sharing
Explain what personal information is and why it’s important to keep it private. Let your child know they can always ask you if they’re unsure.
2. Use anonymous usernames
Help your child choose usernames that don’t include their real name, age, school, or location. For example, CoolKoala42 is fun and doesn’t give away personal details.
3. Protect passwords
Help your child create strong passwords using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Remind them never to share passwords—even with friends.
4. Be careful with links and pop-ups
Teach your child to avoid clicking on pop-ups or links that offer free rewards or upgrades. If they’re unsure, they should ask an adult first.
5. Use privacy settings
Most apps and games have privacy settings. Help your child:
- Make their account private
- Turn off location sharing
- Limit who can comment or message them
- Review tags before they appear on their profile