10 Best Practices: Protect Student Data Privacy

Safeguarding children's personal information from misuse or unauthorized access is crucial as technology use in education grows rapidly. This article outlines practical steps for parents to protect their kids' data privacy when using educational apps and online resources:

1. Know the Laws: Understand key privacy laws like FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act), and PPRA (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment) that regulate how schools and apps can collect and share student data.

2. Read Privacy Policies: Carefully review apps' privacy policies to understand what data they collect, how it's used, if it's shared with third parties, and your parental rights to access and delete your child's information.

3. Limit Data Sharing: Control app permissions to share only necessary data, provide minimal information when creating accounts, and disable features that may collect extra data.

4. Use Strong Security: Create unique, complex passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication for added protection against unauthorized access.

5. Check Apps Regularly: Review installed apps, remove unused ones, monitor app permissions and data usage, and consider using parental control apps to restrict usage and block inappropriate content.

6. Teach Kids About Privacy: Explain what information is private, risks of oversharing, and set clear rules on what to share online, who to interact with, and app usage.

7. Use Trusted Apps: Check reviews, ratings, and developer reputations, and look for apps that follow privacy laws and have clear policies.

8. Stay Updated on Data Breaches: Set up news alerts for data breach reports, contact schools and developers if a breach occurs, monitor for suspicious activity, and consider identity theft protection.

9. Review Terms of Service: Check data collection, usage, sharing, security, and retention policies, and use checklists from privacy groups to evaluate compliance.

10. Advocate for Better Practices: Voice concerns at school board meetings and with administrators, join parent groups and work with advocacy organizations, and engage policymakers to push for stronger privacy laws.

By following these steps, parents can create a safer digital space for their children's education while minimizing risks of data misuse or exposure.

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1. Know the Privacy Laws

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It gives parents the right to:

• Access their child's records
• Restrict who can access and share that information without their consent

Under FERPA, schools must get written permission from parents to release any personally identifiable details from a student's records, such as:

• Grades
• Test scores
• Disciplinary records
• Contact information
• Health data

FERPA also allows parents to request corrections to inaccurate records. Schools must annually notify parents about their FERPA rights and the school's data privacy procedures.

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

COPPA regulates how websites and online services can collect personal information from children under 13. It requires operators to:

• Post clear privacy policies
• Notify parents about data practices
• Obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting kids' personal details

For educational apps and platforms used in schools, COPPA allows schools to provide consent for collecting students' personal information on behalf of parents. However, the data can only be used for the authorized educational purpose, not for commercial gain or marketing.

Schools must also provide parents with a privacy policy from the app/service and allow them to review or delete their child's data.

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)

The PPRA governs the administration of surveys, analyses, or evaluations that reveal sensitive personal information from students. It requires schools to obtain active parental consent before administering such data collection tools related to areas like:

Area	Examples
Political affiliations or beliefs	-
Mental or psychological problems	-
Sexual behavior or attitudes	-
Illegal or self-incriminating behavior	-
Critical appraisals of family relationships	-

The PPRA aims to protect student privacy by giving parents control over the collection and use of their children's personal information for surveys and evaluations.

2. Read Privacy Policies Carefully

What to Look For

When reviewing an educational app or service's privacy policy, pay close attention to these key points:

• Data Collection: What personal details does the app collect from students? This may include names, contact info, device IDs, location data, and browsing history. Ensure the data collected is necessary for the app's educational purpose.

• Data Usage: How does the app use the collected student data? Legitimate uses include providing the service, improving functionality, and detecting fraud. Be cautious if data is used for targeted ads or shared with third-party marketers.

• Data Sharing: Does the app share or sell student data with other companies, such as affiliates, partners, or advertisers? Prioritize apps that minimize data sharing and are transparent about their practices.

• Parental Rights: The privacy policy should outline parents' rights to access, review, and delete their child's personal information collected by the app.

• Data Retention: Look for information on how long the app retains student data and its data deletion practices.

• Security Measures: Verify if the app implements robust security measures like encryption and access controls to protect student data from unauthorized access or breaches.

Privacy Policy Browser Tool

Common Sense Education's Privacy Policy Browser is a helpful resource that evaluates the privacy practices of educational apps and services. This tool can help parents, teachers, and administrators understand how different apps handle student data.

The Privacy Policy Browser analyzes privacy policies both quantitatively and qualitatively, assessing factors such as:

Factor	Description
Data Collection	Types of data collected
Data Sharing	Practices for sharing data with third parties
Compliance	Adherence to laws like FERPA and COPPA

This tool provides insights into an app's data handling practices, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions about using educational technology while protecting student privacy.

3. Limit Data Sharing

Sharing less student data with educational apps helps protect privacy. Follow these tips:

Control App Permissions

Check what data each app wants to access and adjust permissions to share only what's needed. On iOS, go to Settings > Privacy to control location, contacts, camera, and more. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Permission manager.

For web apps, check browser settings and site permissions. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings to manage location, camera, notifications, etc. Firefox has similar controls under Settings > Privacy & Security.

Share Only What's Required

When creating accounts or profiles in educational apps, provide only required info like name and email. Avoid optional fields for birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, or social media.

Disable features you don't need, as they may collect extra data. For example, turn off location tracking if the app doesn't require your location.

Be careful about granting access to contacts, photos, or other device data. Only allow access when absolutely necessary for the app to work properly. Regularly review and remove unnecessary permissions to minimize potential data leaks.

4. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

Protecting student accounts with strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data. Weak or reused passwords can easily be compromised, putting personal information at risk.

Create Strong Passwords

Step	Description
1. Use a password manager	Password managers generate and store unique, complex passwords for each account, eliminating the need to remember them all. Popular options include LastPass, 1Password, and KeePass.
2. Craft complex passwords	If creating passwords manually, aim for at least 12 characters, combining uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Avoid common phrases, personal information, or dictionary words.
3. Avoid password reuse	Reusing passwords across multiple accounts amplifies the risk if one account is compromised. Treat each password as unique and never duplicate them.
4. Update passwords regularly	Change passwords periodically, especially for critical accounts. Set reminders to update them every few months.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

1. Understand 2FA: Two-factor authentication adds an extra security step beyond just a password. This could be a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint, or a security key.

2. Check for 2FA options: Many educational apps and services offer 2FA as an added security measure. Look for this option in account settings and enable it.

3. Set up an authenticator app: Apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator generate verification codes for 2FA logins. Link the app to your student accounts.

4. Consider physical security keys: For maximum protection, use a physical security key like a YubiKey or Google Titan Key as your second authentication factor.

5. Check Apps Regularly

Keeping an eye on the apps your child uses is key to protecting their data privacy. With new apps always coming out, it's important to review the apps on your child's devices often.

Review Installed Apps

1. Check device settings: Most devices have a section that lists all installed apps. Go through this list regularly to find any unfamiliar or risky apps.

2. Read app info and reviews: Before letting your child use an app, read its description, reviews, and privacy policy carefully. Look for any concerns about data collection or inappropriate content.

3. Update apps often: Make sure all apps are up-to-date with the latest security fixes and bug patches. Old apps can have security risks and may leak your child's data.

4. Remove unused apps: If you find apps your child no longer uses or that raise privacy concerns, uninstall them right away. The fewer apps with access to your child's data, the better.

Check Data Usage

1. Monitor app permissions: Review the permissions granted to each app on your child's device. Remove any unnecessary permissions, like access to contacts, location, or camera, if the app doesn't need them.

2. Check data usage reports: Most devices and operating systems show how much data each app uses. Check these reports regularly to find any apps using too much data, which could mean data leaks or unauthorized sharing.

3. Use parental control apps: Consider using trusted parental control apps that let you monitor and limit app usage, set time limits, and block inappropriate content.

4. Talk to your child: Have open conversations with your child about the apps they use and the risks of sharing personal data. Encourage them to be careful about what information they share and to report any suspicious activities or requests for personal data.

Action	Purpose
Review installed apps	Identify unfamiliar or risky apps
Read app info and reviews	Check for data collection or inappropriate content
Update apps regularly	Ensure security fixes and bug patches are applied
Remove unused apps	Limit access to your child's data
Monitor app permissions	Control what data apps can access
Check data usage reports	Detect potential data leaks or unauthorized sharing
Use parental control apps	Monitor and restrict app usage, set time limits, block content
Talk to your child	Educate them about data privacy risks and responsible app use

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6. Teach Kids About Data Privacy

Simple Talks for Young Kids

For young kids (ages 5-8), keep talks about data privacy simple:

• Don't share personal details like name, address, or school online
• Only talk online with people you know in real life
• Ask a parent before downloading anything or signing up

Expanding for Pre-Teens

As kids get older (ages 9-12), discuss:

• What information is private (photos, location, contact info)
• Risks of oversharing personal details online (identity theft, online dangers)
• How websites and apps collect user data and interests

Advanced Topics for Teens

Teenagers should understand:

• How companies use data for targeted ads and marketing
• The long-term impact of their digital footprint
• Configuring privacy settings on social media and accounts

Set Clear Rules

Establish rules and boundaries around:

1. What to Share Online:

   • Don't post full names, addresses, phone numbers, birthdates, or school details

2. Online Interactions:

   • Only communicate with family and real-life friends
   • Don't talk to strangers or share photos/videos without permission

3. Apps and Accounts:

   • Get parent approval before downloading apps, signing up, or making in-app purchases

4. Privacy Settings:

   • Enable maximum privacy settings to limit data sharing and online tracking

5. Time Limits:

   • Set reasonable limits on daily device/internet usage

Explain the reasons behind these rules and enforce them consistently. Regularly discuss online activities to reinforce positive privacy habits.

7. Use Trusted Apps

Check Reviews and Ratings

Before downloading an app, look at reviews and ratings from other users. Apps with many positive reviews and high ratings are likely reliable and respect data privacy. Pay attention to any negative reviews mentioning privacy issues, data breaches, or inappropriate content.

Look for reviews from parents or teachers who have used the app with children or students. These can give insights into the app's data privacy practices and educational value.

Research App Developers

Research the app developers themselves. Look for developers with a good reputation for protecting user data and following privacy laws like COPPA and GDPR-K. Reputable developers will have a clear privacy policy explaining how they collect, use, and protect user data.

Check if the developer is part of industry groups or has received awards for data privacy. This shows their commitment to protecting user data and maintaining high security standards.

Be cautious of developers with a history of data breaches, privacy violations, or other security incidents. These are red flags that proper data protection measures may be lacking.

Identify Trustworthy Apps

Signs of a Trustworthy App	Signs of an Untrustworthy App
Many positive user reviews	Negative reviews about privacy issues
High ratings from users	Low ratings or few reviews
Clear and transparent privacy policy	Vague or missing privacy policy
Developer follows data privacy laws	Developer has history of data breaches
Developer is part of industry groups	Developer lacks data protection certifications
App has data security certifications	App has inappropriate content for children

Using trusted apps from reputable developers is crucial for protecting your child's data privacy. Thoroughly research an app before downloading to ensure your child's personal information is handled securely and responsibly.

8. Stay Updated on Data Breaches

Knowing about data breaches involving educational apps and services is key to protecting your child's privacy. Data breaches can expose sensitive student information like names, birthdates, contact details, and academic records to bad actors. Being aware and acting quickly can help reduce risks.

Set Up News Alerts

Set up alerts from trusted news sources and cybersecurity blogs to stay updated on the latest data breaches and privacy incidents involving educational technology:

• Google Alerts for keywords like "data breach", "student privacy", and names of apps your child uses
• Follow reliable cybersecurity news outlets and experts on social media
• Subscribe to email newsletters from privacy advocacy groups and government agencies like the FTC

By monitoring relevant news sources, you'll be among the first to know if an app or service your child uses has experienced a data breach, allowing you to take appropriate steps quickly.

If a Breach Happens

If you learn that an app or service your child uses has suffered a data breach, take the following steps immediately:

1. Contact the School

Reach out to your child's school to understand the extent of the breach, what data was exposed, and what the school is doing to address the situation. Ask:

Question	Purpose
What specific student data was compromised?	Understand the scope of the breach
How many students were affected?	Gauge the scale of the incident
What is the school doing to secure student data and prevent future breaches?	Assess the school's response and mitigation efforts
Will the school provide identity theft protection services to affected families?	Determine if additional support is available

2. Notify the App Developer

Contact the app developer directly to inquire about the breach and what they are doing to protect users' data. Reputable developers should provide transparency and offer guidance on securing your child's account.

3. Monitor for Suspicious Activity

Be vigilant for any signs of identity theft or misuse of your child's personal information. Monitor their credit report, financial accounts, and online activity closely.

4. Consider Identity Theft Protection

Depending on the severity of the breach, you may want to enroll your child in an identity theft protection service that monitors for misuse of their personal data and provides recovery assistance if needed.

Staying informed about data breaches and taking prompt action can help safeguard your child's privacy and minimize the risks of identity theft or fraud. Prioritize transparency from schools and app developers, and don't hesitate to escalate concerns if their response is inadequate.

9. Review Terms of Service

Reading the terms of service for educational apps is vital to protect your child's privacy and data. These legal agreements explain how the app will collect, use, and share your child's personal information. Ignoring the terms puts your child's sensitive data at risk.

Key Points to Check

When reviewing an app's terms of service, look closely at these key points:

1. Data Collection and Use

   • What personal data will the app collect from your child (e.g., name, age, contact info, location, academic records)?
   • How will the collected data be used (e.g., for the app's functionality, advertising, analytics, third-party sharing)?

2. Data Ownership and Control

   • Does the app claim ownership of your child's data, or do you retain control?
   • Can you request to delete or transfer your child's data if you stop using the app?

3. Data Sharing and Third Parties

   • Will the app share your child's data with third parties (e.g., advertisers, analytics companies, other service providers)?
   • Can you limit or opt out of data sharing?

4. Data Security and Retention

   • How long will the app keep your child's data, and what are the data deletion policies?
   • What security measures (e.g., encryption, access controls) protect your child's data?

5. Policy Changes and Notifications

   • Can the app change its terms without notifying you?
   • Must you agree to future policy changes to continue using the app?

Use Checklists

To evaluate an app's terms of service more efficiently, use checklists and resources from privacy advocacy groups and government agencies, such as:

Resource	Description
Student Privacy Pledge Checklist	A checklist to assess if an app meets key privacy standards.
FTC's Children's Privacy Checklist	A checklist to evaluate if an app complies with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Common Sense Media's Privacy Evaluation	Resources to help evaluate the privacy practices of educational apps and services.

Using these checklists can help you quickly identify potential privacy concerns and decide which apps to allow your child to use.

10. Advocate for Better Privacy Practices

As a parent, you play a key role in pushing for stronger data privacy measures in schools and educational apps. By taking an active stance, you can drive positive change and ensure your child's sensitive information is properly protected.

Work with Schools

1. Attend School Board Meetings

Go to school board meetings and voice your concerns about student data privacy. Encourage adopting robust policies and using educational apps that prioritize data protection.

2. Communicate with School Administrators

Reach out to school administrators and request transparency about the apps and services being used, their data collection practices, and the measures in place to safeguard student information.

3. Join Parent-Teacher Organizations

Participate in parent-teacher organizations and advocate for including data privacy as a key agenda item. Collaborate with other parents and teachers to push for stronger privacy measures.

4. Review School Policies

Familiarize yourself with your school's data privacy policies and provide feedback on areas that need improvement. Suggest updates to align with best practices and legal requirements.

Form Parent Groups

1. Connect with Like-Minded Parents

Reach out to other parents who share your concerns about student data privacy. Form a group or join existing organizations dedicated to this cause.

2. Organize Awareness Campaigns

Organize awareness campaigns to educate the community about the importance of student data privacy. Use social media, newsletters, or local events to spread the message.

3. Collaborate with Privacy Advocacy Groups

Connect with privacy advocacy groups and leverage their resources, expertise, and support to amplify your efforts. Attend workshops, webinars, or join online forums to stay informed.

4. Engage with Policymakers

Engage with local and state policymakers to advocate for stronger data privacy laws and regulations. Participate in public hearings, submit written comments, or organize petitions to drive legislative change.

Action	Purpose
Attend school board meetings	Voice concerns, push for robust policies
Communicate with administrators	Request transparency on data practices
Join parent-teacher organizations	Collaborate to advocate for privacy measures
Review school policies	Provide feedback, suggest improvements
Connect with like-minded parents	Form groups, join existing organizations
Organize awareness campaigns	Educate the community on data privacy
Collaborate with advocacy groups	Leverage resources, expertise, and support
Engage with policymakers	Advocate for stronger laws and regulations

Conclusion

Keeping student data safe is a major duty for parents, teachers, and schools. With more tech in classrooms, protecting sensitive student info from misuse or unauthorized access is crucial.

Here are the key steps to safeguard student privacy:

1. Know the Laws

• FERPA: This federal law gives parents rights over their child's education records. Schools must get parental consent to share grades, test scores, disciplinary records, and contact info.
• COPPA: Regulates how websites and apps can collect personal info from kids under 13. Requires clear privacy policies and parental consent.
• PPRA: Governs surveys or evaluations that collect sensitive personal data from students. Requires active parental consent.

2. Read Privacy Policies

• Check what personal data the app collects and how it's used.
• Look for data sharing with third parties like advertisers.
• Ensure policies outline parental rights to access and delete data.
• Use tools like Common Sense Education's Privacy Policy Browser.

3. Limit Data Sharing

• Control app permissions to share only necessary data.
• Provide only required info when creating accounts.
• Disable features you don't need that may collect extra data.

4. Use Strong Security

• Create unique, complex passwords for each account.
• Enable two-factor authentication for added protection.

5. Check Apps Regularly

• Review installed apps and remove unused ones.
• Monitor app permissions and data usage.
• Use parental control apps to restrict usage and block content.

6. Teach Kids About Privacy

• Explain what info is private and risks of oversharing.
• Set clear rules on what to share online, who to interact with, and app usage.

7. Use Trusted Apps

• Check reviews, ratings, and developer reputations.
• Look for apps that follow privacy laws and have clear policies.

8. Stay Updated on Data Breaches

• Set up news alerts for data breach reports.
• Contact schools and developers if a breach occurs.
• Monitor for suspicious activity and consider identity theft protection.

9. Review Terms of Service

• Check data collection, usage, sharing, security, and retention policies.
• Use checklists from privacy groups to evaluate compliance.

10. Advocate for Better Practices

• Voice concerns at school board meetings and with administrators.
• Join parent groups and work with advocacy organizations.
• Engage policymakers to push for stronger privacy laws.

Key Action	Purpose
Understand Laws	Know your rights and school obligations
Review Policies	Ensure apps handle data responsibly
Limit Sharing	Control what info apps can access
Use Strong Security	Protect accounts from unauthorized access
Monitor App Usage	Identify risky or unnecessary apps
Educate Kids	Teach responsible online behavior
Choose Trusted Apps	Prioritize privacy and security
Stay Informed	Be aware of data breaches and take action
Check Terms	Understand data handling practices
Advocate	Drive change in schools and laws

Keeping student data private takes ongoing effort. By following these steps, parents can create a safer digital space for kids' education.

FAQs

Is data privacy important for apps aimed at children?

Yes, data privacy is extremely important for apps and websites used by children under 13 years old. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires companies to:

• Get verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information from children
• Clearly explain their data practices in a privacy policy
• Allow parents to review and delete their child's information

Personal information includes:

Data Type	Examples
Identifying Details	Full name, home address, email, phone number
Visual Content	Photos, videos
Location Data	Geolocation information

Companies that fail to comply with COPPA can face hefty fines from the Federal Trade Commission.