A new report has revealed startling statistics regarding the online privacy of children.
On average, parents have posted 1,300 photos of their children by the time they are 13-years-old.
And by 18-years-old, children have created over 70,000 social media posts.
We know that the newest generation has had more exposure to technology than ever before and researchers aimed to define this connection.
The report says that most children are introduced to technology from birth due to the baby monitor that is set up beside their crib.
Many of these video cameras can stream live footage of the child through an app that is easily accessed by parents. But researchers warn that parents should choose a more difficult password, for it is easy for strangers to hack into the feed.
Internet-connected toys and smart speakers have also become increasingly popular. Last year alone, 224 million connected toys were shipped worldwide.
CloudPets was one of the most popular, allowing children and loved ones to record messages to each other. These messages could be accessed by anyone online and experts warned that similar issues could exist with other toys.
Smart speakers also record any commands given to them and send them to their servers.
As a result of kids’ increased exposure to technology, the Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield has shared ways for families to minimise their data footprint.
There hasn’t been enough thought given to the consequences of all this, the report’s authors argued.
Children growing up today are the first to be “datafied” from birth and are the “canary in the coal mine for wider society”, said the commissioner.
The study recommends that the government take action by strengthening data laws to protect children. It also calls for children to be taught about data collection in schools and for companies to take more responsibility.
“Companies that make apps, toys, and other products used by children need to stop filling them with trackers and put their terms and conditions in language that children understand,” Anne explained.
If the newest generation is going to be so entwined with technology then their information needs safeguarding online - stronger security, data mandates for companies, and no more tracking.
The commissioner urges that legislation be introduced to protect children and keep them informed about what they are putting online and what consequences that might have.
