What are privacy settings?
Privacy settings are tools on websites and apps that help control who can see someone’s profile and what they share. Many apps apply public audience settings by default, which means anyone can see what is posted. It’s important to help your child check and apply these settings so that only trusted people can see their content.
Talk to your child about who will see what they post online. Encourage them to share only with people they know and trust offline.
Most apps will let them choose who can view their posts, send them messages, or find their profile.
Apps also change their privacy settings from time to time. Make it a habit to check them regularly with your child.
How to help your child use privacy settings
1. Turn off location sharing
Some apps share your child’s location without them knowing. Help your child turn off location sharing or limit it to close friends.
- On Android:
Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions > Location > Don’t allow
- On iPhone:
Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and turn off location access for social media apps.
2. Control tagging and mentions
Others might tag your child in posts or photos without their permission. Help them set up controls so they can approve tags before they appear.
To stop location tagging in iPhone photos:
- Open the Photos app > Select a photo > Swipe up or tap the ‘i’ icon > Tap Adjust next to location > Choose No Location
- To turn off location access for the camera:
Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Camera > Select ‘Never’
3. Consider your child’s digital footprint
Your own privacy settings matter too. If you share pictures of your child online, think about how this affects their digital footprint.