Call for parents to teach online privacy like road safety

Call for parents to teach online privacy like road safety

The UK’s data watchdog has emphasized that online privacy should be treated as a vital life skill, comparable to stranger danger or road safety education. This recommendation follows new research from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which revealed that 75% of parents are anxious about their children’s ability to make secure online privacy decisions.

The ICO has initiated a campaign to encourage families to engage in simple discussions about safeguarding personal information. According to the study, privacy remains one of the least addressed topics in online safety education. This comes as broader worries intensify regarding the influence of social media and digital tools on children’s growth, security, and mental health.

Online privacy encompasses details such as names, ages, addresses, photos, browsing histories, voice notes, and activities on social media or gaming platforms. The campaign underscores that these skills should be taught “as natural as teaching a child to cross the road.” In a survey of 1,000 UK parents with children aged four to 11, 35% expressed concern that their child might exchange personal data for virtual rewards.

“Many families lack guidance on how to discuss online privacy with their children,” said Emily Keaney, deputy commissioner at the ICO. “It requires a collective effort from society to address this issue effectively.”

Justine Roberts, founder of Mumsnet, noted that while parents often talk about harmful content or screen time, privacy is frequently neglected. “As awareness grows about how children’s data is used online, families seek clear, actionable advice to begin these conversations confidently,” she added.

February’s ICO survey found that 21% of parents had never discussed online privacy with their children, and 38% did so less than once a month. In contrast, 90% of respondents reported having talked about screen time in the last month.

“We often react after the fact, which is why early, consistent dialogue is essential,” stated Dame Rachel de Souza, children’s commissioner for England. “Parents need tools to explain online risks and empower children to act when they feel uneasy.”