How Can We Teach Our Children About Digital Privacy? - Jordan News

Jordan News

04-05-2025

How Can We Teach Our Children About Digital Privacy? Today's parents are facing a new kind of conversation: teaching their children how to protect their privacy in a world where every slip-up can be recorded, reshaped, and made permanent. While previous generations may have absorbed this information naturally, today's youth need more structured guidance. اضافة اعلان The dangers of sexting and sharing intimate photos are well-known. But new threats—AI-generated deepfakes, digital identity theft, and financially motivated sexual extortion—are now targeting minors at alarming rates. By 2030, regulators predict that two-thirds of identity theft cases will stem from 'data oversharing,' primarily by parents who post too much of their children's lives online, according to a report by Time magazine. The report emphasizes that these threats aren't theoretical. They are real, shaping our children's futures—futures increasingly tied to the data that exists about them online. Addressing these risks requires a mix of proactive measures and practical habits. Covering the Webcam One simple first step parents can take is covering the webcams on all household computers. A pack of small plastic sliding covers installs in seconds and offers strong protection against webcam hacking—a crime that's becoming more and more common. Setting Privacy Controls Next, seek out devices and platforms that offer child-specific privacy settings. You may already have some at home. Major tech companies know that parents are concerned and are increasingly offering privacy-friendly products. But don't assume default settings are secure. Take a few minutes to review and adjust the privacy settings on all family devices and social media accounts. You can also set up a Google Alert for your child's name, email, or other personal details to be notified immediately if sensitive information appears in inappropriate places. Honest Conversations Matter Filters and monitoring help, but they're no substitute for honest conversations about privacy. The modern privacy crisis requires a new kind of partnership between parents and children—one based on open dialogue and practical thinking. This means first accepting that the kind of privacy we enjoyed as children is no longer possible. As the report explains, society won't suddenly abandon technology and live off the grid. The path forward lies in risk reduction—a sobering but necessary reality. How effectively you minimize these risks can make a real difference. Managing the Digital Footprint Children today live as both physical and digital beings, and the latter often has a huge impact on real-world opportunities. They must understand that managing their digital footprint is key to their future happiness. Every bit of information online—whether shared by them, their friends, or even their parents—can influence everything from their social circles to their job prospects. The goal isn't to make kids paranoid, but to empower them. Help them see that owning their reputation is a source of strength—not something they should let others define. Avoiding Thoughtless Sharing The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating a 'family media use plan' to clearly define your family's values around privacy and technology. The aim isn't just to set rules, but to cultivate a lasting instinct for privacy. Ultimately, the goal is to guide young people to a mindset where they pause, think critically, and reflect every time they post something online—no more thoughtless sharing. Equally important is teaching them to respect others' privacy and understand that just because a friend shares something with them doesn't mean it's okay to share it elsewhere. Addressing Digital Problems Early Perhaps the most important lesson to teach children is what to do when something feels off. They should know to speak up immediately if they suspect a privacy violation—whether it's an unexpected message, a shared image, or just a vague sense that something isn't right. Early detection often keeps problems simple and manageable, while small issues can quickly escalate. Parents, too, must know how to respond if their child's data is compromised. It's worth noting that U.S. federal law offers strong online privacy protection for children under 13 through COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act). After that age, protections become weaker and vary significantly by state. In conclusion, the report asserts that there's no perfect path through the maze of digital privacy—even for professionals. Every family must find its own approach, reflecting its unique values and comfort levels. And that's exactly how it should be. Just taking privacy seriously, and modeling good digital behavior regardless of your family's tech involvement, shows children that their digital lives matter—and that their personal data is worth protecting.
Source: Asharq Al-Awsat