By Jack Hughes, President of Parent Tech Support
Most parents do not realize how much personal data companies collect from their children. From apps and games to social media platforms, children’s data is being harvested and sold at an alarming rate. Jack Hughes exposes the practices behind children’s data collection and what parents can do to fight back.
How Companies Collect Children’s Data
Every app, game, and website a child uses collects data. This includes location information, browsing habits, voice recordings, contact lists, and even biometric data. Children’s data is particularly valuable because it helps companies build lifelong consumer profiles.
Many apps marketed to children contain hidden trackers that send data to third-party advertisers without parental knowledge or consent.
What Happens to Your Child’s Data
- Sold to advertisers – Companies sell behavioral data to target children with personalized ads
- Shared with data brokers – Personal information is packaged and sold to the highest bidder
- Used for AI training – Children’s photos, voice data, and text are used to train AI models
- Stored indefinitely – Data collected in childhood follows a person into adulthood
- Vulnerable to breaches – Companies that collect data can be hacked, exposing children’s information
How to Protect Your Child’s Data
- Audit your child’s apps – Remove any apps that are not actively used
- Review app permissions – Disable access to location, microphone, camera, and contacts
- Use privacy-focused alternatives where possible
- Enable parental controls to restrict app installations. See Jack’s guide on the ultimate parental controls strategy
- Teach children about data privacy – Help them understand what they share online matters
Watch the Full Video
Jack breaks down exactly how companies collect and profit from children’s data and provides steps every parent should take immediately.
Take Control of Your Family’s Privacy
Data privacy is not just an adult concern. Children deserve protection from corporate data harvesting. Visit Parent Tech Support for tools and strategies to safeguard your family’s digital footprint.
For more on privacy and safety, read Jack’s articles on your child’s data risks and protecting children on Instagram.
