Call for parents to teach online privacy like road safety
Call for Parents to Teach Online Privacy as a Vital Life Skill
The UK’s data watchdog has highlighted the importance of treating online privacy as a fundamental life skill, comparable to understanding stranger danger or road safety. This recommendation follows a study by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) revealing that three-quarters of parents worry their children lack the ability to make safe decisions regarding personal data online.
Initiative to Encourage Conversations on Digital Safety
In response to findings that privacy discussions are among the least frequent in online safety education, the ICO has launched a campaign advocating for families to engage in straightforward dialogues about protecting sensitive information. The initiative emphasizes the need to address privacy alongside other critical topics, as growing concerns about digital technology’s impact on children’s well-being and development intensify.
According to the ICO’s February survey, 21% of parents had never spoken to their children about online privacy, while 38% discussed it less than once a month. In contrast, 90% of respondents reported having talked about screen time in the past month. The campaign underscores that online privacy involves safeguarding details such as names, ages, addresses, and even digital footprints like photos, voice notes, and gaming activity.
“Many families haven’t been shown how to guide their children on online privacy,” said Emily Keaney, deputy commissioner at the ICO.
“Parents are already addressing harmful content and screen time, but privacy often gets overlooked,” added Justine Roberts, founder of Mumsnet. “As concerns grow about how children’s data is used online, families seek clear guidance to start these conversations with confidence.”
Children’s Vulnerability to Data Sharing
The research also found that 35% of parents believed their child would trade personal information for game tokens or rewards. Alarmingly, 22% of children under 12 shared health-related data with AI tools, while 24% disclosed their real name or address online. The study singles out eight and nine-year-olds as the most vulnerable age group, stressing the urgency of early education on digital risks.
“Too often, we’re playing catch-up. This is why it’s crucial for parents to confidently discuss online risks and how to handle discomfort with their children,” stated Dame Rachel de Souza, children’s commissioner for England.
