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In today’s digital world, children are growing up surrounded by technology. While the internet offers endless opportunities for learning and entertainment, it also comes with risks—particularly when it comes to online privacy. One of the most common and least understood aspects of this digital jungle is the use of cookies and how they can lead to privacy violations. As a parent, it’s crucial to understand these issues and to talk to your children about them.
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by websites you visit. They serve various purposes, such as remembering your login details or keeping track of items in your online shopping cart. However, not all cookies are harmless. Some track your online behaviour across different websites, collecting data that can be used to create detailed profiles about you and your child. This data can then be sold to advertisers, who use it to target you with personalised ads, or even to more nefarious actors.
While cookies can enhance your browsing experience, they also pose significant privacy risks, particularly for children:
Discussing online privacy with your child is essential in helping them navigate the internet safely.
Here are some scripts you can use to start these conversations:
Parent: “Hey [Child’s Name], have you ever noticed when a website asks if it can save cookies on your computer? Do you know what that means?”
Child: “Not really. Is it like real cookies?”
Parent: “Good question! They’re not like real cookies you eat, but they are small pieces of information that websites save on your computer or phone. Sometimes they help the website remember who you are, like when you log in. But other times, they can track what you do online, and that might not be something we want. It’s important to know what they do and how to control them.”
Parent: “You know how we talk about not sharing too much personal information with strangers? The same goes for when you’re online. Some websites try to follow what you do across different sites using cookies. This helps them learn more about you, like what games you play or what videos you watch.”
Child: “But why do they want to know that?”
Parent: “They use that information to show you ads for things they think you’ll like. But the problem is, we don’t always know who’s looking at this information or how they’re using it. That’s why we need to be careful and protect our privacy.”
Parent: “There are ways to stop some websites from tracking you. We can change the settings in your browser to block cookies or delete them regularly. Would you like me to show you how?”
Child: “Yes, please! I don’t want people following what I do online.”
Parent: “Great! We’ll do it together. And remember, if a website asks to save cookies, you can always ask me if you’re unsure.”
Educate Yourself:
Familiarise yourself with how cookies work and the privacy policies of the websites your child frequents. This knowledge will empower you to guide your child effectively.
Use Privacy Tools:
Install browser extensions or use privacy-focused browsers that block tracking cookies. Many popular browsers also offer settings to block third-party cookies or clear cookies automatically when you close the browser.
Set Up Parental Controls:
Many devices and apps offer parental controls that can limit tracking, block certain types of content, and help you monitor your child’s online activity.
Teach Good Habits:
Encourage your child to be cautious about sharing personal information online and to ask questions if they’re unsure about something.
Review Permissions:
Regularly check the apps and websites your child uses to ensure they’re not collecting unnecessary data. Some apps may request access to more information than they need, and you can often adjust these permissions in the settings.
Navigating the digital jungle of cookies and online privacy can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can help your child stay safe. By having open conversations, setting boundaries, and using technology wisely, you can protect your child’s privacy and empower them to make smart choices online.
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