Children’s online privacy: a parent’s starting checklist

A basic COPPA distinction

The FTC explains that COPPA generally covers online services directed to children under 13 and general audience services that know they collect personal information from children that age. It gives parents notice, consent, review, and deletion protections, subject to the rule’s details and exceptions. Do not assume the same rule applies to every teen account.

Keep the parent facing record

• The app, game, or website and the operator’s name.
• The age entered when the account was created.
• Notices, permission requests, and parental consent screens.
• The settings available to a parent.
• Any request to review or delete information and the response.

Ask about information, not just screen time

Consider what the child is asked to share: a name, image, voice recording, location, or account identifier. Read the privacy notice with those fields in mind. A time limit can help manage use, but it is not an explanation of what the operator collects.

If a service ignores your choice

Save the notice, your request, confirmation, and response. The FTC’s official parent guide includes reporting options. Do not confront other children or use someone else’s account to investigate. Focus on the information you are authorized to access and the operator’s published practices.