Top 5 risks: What’s your child’s/teen’s data used for online?

Dearest parents,

In my last post, I explained how your child’s digital footprint can inadvertently be started by us parents from very early on, even before they’re born. Once they have access to a device connected to the internet and create accounts on one or more platforms (YouTube, X, Insta, TikTok, etc)., this data grows into a very detailed profile. What is it used for?

I’d like to make you aware of some key risks that are linked to their data being collected (and sold or shared) online…

 

My top 5 risks re your child's or teen's data online:

1. Cyberbullying Personal information and photos shared online can be used by “friends” or strangers to bully your child, now or in the future. Embarrassing or inappropriate pictures (e.g. nudes) are on top of the list for blackmailing and can seriously affect mental wellbeing.
   

2. Digital Exploitation and sexploitation Photos of children can be misused or altered and circulated without consent, potentially ending up in the hands of predators, on paedophile websites or the dark web. Sexploitation is coercing a child or teen into taking such images of themselves and then pressing them for money. Sexploitation has risen by a staggering 1300% over the last year (Source: Kristi McVee, Director of CAPE - Child Abuse Prevention & Education Australia).
   

3. Redirection of interests and exposure to unhealthy content: All social media platforms are using powerful algorithms that collate and analyse the data about their users’ actions and preferences in order to propose exciting and relevant new content. These algorithms are trained to maximise time spent on the screen and quickly suggest content that is often inappropriate but keeps kids/teens watching (extremist views, “shocking” videos, misinformation, pornography, “recipes” for unhealthy ways of dealing with problems (e.g. eating disorders or self-harm), etc.). These can have lasting effects on children’s mental wellbeing, which I’ll talk about in my next couple of posts. Algorithms also use the data of millions of comparable user profiles to predict what your child/teen will be interested in or want to spend money on before they’re even aware of it themselves. Algorithms exploit natural human thinking and behaviour to maximise profits.
   

4. Location Tracking: If location tracking is enabled on their phone, frequent locations (e.g. school or home), can make it easier for strangers to locate your child.
   

5. Reputation Management, Peer Pressure and Social Comparison: Children and teens often feel pressured to maintain a certain image online. The gap between their online image and the real world in addition to the constant comparison with others can lead to serious issues like low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

 

What can we do?

1. Education: Educate yourself (you’re doing this right now!) as well as your child or teen about these risks.
   

2. No online devices in bedrooms or bathrooms: Don’t allow your child/teen to take a phone or other device into their bedroom or the bathroom. Ever. This is where a lot of the inappropriate content is consumed or created. Children feel safe in their own room and their guards are reduced.
   

3. No online chat: Choose apps or games that don’t offer a chat with strangers or switch off the chat option. This is the no. 1 access point for paedophiles and sextortionists.
   

4. Be involved! For younger kids: Restrict use, implement parental controls; teach body safety (same as stranger danger but for online approaches). For pre-teens and teens: Talk with them, make them aware of the dangers, vet apps together, create a written usage/screen agreement. Be a trusted guide. For both: Ensure they know they can always talk to you and are NEVER IN TROUBLE, NO MATTER WHAT.
   

5. No iPhone for their birthday/Xmas:YOU should own all devices in your household until your children earn enough money to pay for their own device AND a phone/data plan. While you own the device, it’s much easier to stay in control.

I hope this information is helpful on your way to more awareness around tech in your household. Please contact me with any feedback or questions, I’d love to help!

Till next time!

Much love,

Anke x