Ready to chat with your child?
You can download a copy of the privacy checklist to your device so you can access it whenever you like. Or share it with friends and family.
Switched on to privacy checklist
Just like you show your child how to cross the road safely, brush their teeth or lock the door, you also need to help them make safe choices online.
Talking about online privacy at home helps children to build smart habits, stay safe and equips them to make well-informed choices for the future.
Talk about online privacy with three simple steps
1 Chat
Have regular chats with your child about online privacy – you don’t have to be an expert . Some good conversation starters could be:
- Ask your child to tell you about what they enjoy doing online.
- Look at the privacy settings section of their favourite mobile game, device or app together. What information is it tracking? What can you control from the settings?
- Ask how they feel about location sharing or personalised advertising? What are the pros and cons? When might it be helpful and when might it feel wrong?
- Talk regularly about what they are sharing online and who with. Could they be sharing other information without realising it? Does what they watch and click give away information about themselves? Who could see this and why might they be interested?
- Aim for regular bite-sized chats to give your child time to process what you’ve discussed – the same way you show them how to learn other skills like crossing the road.
- Worried about where the conversation will lead? Internet Matters and the NSPCC have advice on talking about difficult topics.
2 Choose
Help your child start thinking carefully about what they choose to share online. What feels right for your family?
- Look at privacy settings together; review who can see posts, tag them or direct message them.
- Look at which devices, apps and mobile games are accessing location data.
- Review advert settings; are you comfortable with your child sharing their information with the makers of the website, app or mobile game? Are you happy for those companies to share it with others?
- Be clear with your child what your family’s rules are about sharing personal information (such as address, phone number, school, email address or photos).
- Talk about AI tools, like ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude. What information would you be happy for your child to share with these tools?
3 Check
When your child gets a new device or downloads a new game or app, check the privacy settings so they’re only giving information you want them to share. Help make checking the privacy settings on any new device, game or app part of your family’s online routine.
Where to go next
Privacy settings
Choose what personal information is collected, shared or visible to others when your child is online.
Location settings
Location data can reveal where your child lives, studies, travels, and spends time.
Advertising settings
Your child’s information is used to shape adverts on social media, video sharing, or gaming apps.
Parental controls
Parental controls can offer you some control over location, privacy and advert settings.
How to manage children's digital lives
Kids online safety - GOV.UK
Find practical information from trusted places to help you feel more confident on the steps you can take to protect your child online.
Navigating the online world with your child
This guide from the Children's Commissioner explores why children often struggle to talk about their online lives, and offers practical ways to help.
Online safety information for parents and carers
This guide from the National Parent Forum of Scotland explores what to look out for so that, whatever your children are doing, they are thinking about the benefits and risks.
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