Why it’s important to #OptOutKids from school data sharing

Most parents are unaware that schools can compromise their children’s privacy and possibly their safety by sharing private information like their child’s phone number, home address, date of birth, email, and photos with anyone without consent. The good news is that parents already have the right to opt out of data sharing.

Parents and students need to act now, though, because most schools have only a brief window for opt outs.  This is why World Privacy Forum launched #OptOutKids now as parents are focused on getting their children ready to return to school.

According to WPF Executive Director Pam Dixon, “The beginning of the school year is the key time when the school information opt-out period opens up. Parents need to stop schools from sending detailed information about their kids from going to unknown third parties. It can be a risk for identity theft and worse, ” she says.

Parents must opt students younger than 18 out, and students over 18 can opt themselves out.

Read the short FAQ with tips and a sample opt out form

Watch the video and share it with your friends as school is starting: #OptOutKids

See our Student Privacy 101 Series for more information.