Why online privacy needs to be the next ‘stranger danger’ conversation

Exploring an overlooked vulnerability

This article assesses the growing risks of childhood data collection and invisible digital tracking, exploring how children interact with online platforms by analysing:

• Key ICO research revealing that nearly a quarter of primary school children share personal details online, while one in five parents have never discussed privacy with them.
• The mechanics of account setup, detailing how children routinely surrender birthdates, locations, and device permissions to gain app access without questioning what is actually required.
• The hidden dangers of children accessing adult platforms, which strip away built-in protections and expose them to background tracking and profiling.
• Actionable ways for non-technical parents to build regular privacy habits, check app settings, and normalise data security alongside basic physical safety rules.

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