Regardless of your views on screen time, it’s a given that your children engage with digital devices. Whether they’re using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, concerns about how social media impacts their mental well-being or whether they encounter inappropriate content are common. However, there’s an additional factor that deserves your attention: the extent of data collection occurring during their screen time. Not all applications are equally intrusive when it comes to gathering information from your kids. A recent study by DataWatch analyzed app permissions — those lengthy terms and conditions that often go unread — for a range of popular children’s apps. Their findings revealed a significant variance in the volume and types of data being collected, emphasizing the need for you to manage and monitor your child’s app usage carefully. Notably, well-known platforms like Candy Crush, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram emerged as leading data gatherers.
What Data Are Kids’ Apps Collecting and Why?
Every time your child goes online, various companies collect diverse data, including location, personal details, transaction history, and even financial information. This data primarily fuels targeted marketing efforts, explaining why you suddenly see ads for kitchen appliances after a casual search for dishwashers. According to DataWatch, children’s apps also collect browsing history, purchase records, usage analytics, contacts, and search queries. “It’s hard to determine the exact monetary value of this data,” states Alex Parker, a researcher at DataWatch. “But it’s undeniably valuable to these companies.”
Which Kids’ Apps Collect the Most Data?
DataWatch categorized the reviewed apps and uncovered intriguing trends. Money management apps, like GreenBank, were the biggest culprits, gathering the most data. Gaming and social messaging applications also ranked high in data collection. Conversely, apps focused on ‘science’ or ‘nature’ tended to collect the least data. However, even within these groups, there was considerable variation. For instance, GreenBank, which tracks children’s finances, gathered 22 types of data, while its competitor, SpendSmart, only collected a single identifier. In the gaming sector, Pokémon Quest led the pack, amassing 17 types of data. While location tracking is essential for the game, does the company really need to monitor your child’s fitness stats? Other major data collectors in the gaming realm include popular titles like Minecraft and Animal Crossing. Interestingly, there were a few apps, like DreamTown, that collected no data at all; however, such instances were rare, with only 17 out of 107 apps surveyed being data-free.
Why You Should Be Concerned
With plenty of other parenting challenges to juggle, you might wonder how significant this data collection really is. “As children grow, their preferences and interests will be tracked, leading to targeted marketing that could manipulate their purchasing decisions,” Parker explains. There are also potential risks tied to data exposure. “It’s not only tech companies that can exploit a child’s naivety,” Parker warns. “Cybercriminals can access this data to inflict harm.”
What Can You Do?
The good news for parents is that knowledge is power. You now know which apps are the worst offenders. In some cases, you can opt for alternatives that are less data-hungry. For social messaging, consider suggesting KidzSafe or ChatPals instead of more invasive platforms like Snapchat or TikTok. As with many aspects of parenting, particularly in the digital realm, finding a balance is key. While there are legitimate reasons for data collection, such as improving app functionality, it’s essential for kids to understand the importance of protecting their data. DataWatch recommends downloading apps only from reputable sources, applying strict privacy settings, and utilizing parental controls when available. More importantly, Parker suggests having open discussions with your children about online privacy, helping them grasp the value of their data, similar to money. Aiming for zero data collection may be unrealistic based on your child’s app usage, but this knowledge can facilitate a productive conversation about privacy. Take the time to sit with your child and review their device, discussing which apps collect the most data and exploring less invasive options. Teaching kids how to safeguard their online privacy is vital from an early age. This article was originally published on April 21, 2022.
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Summary:
The article discusses the extent of data collection by various apps used by children, highlighting the differences in data-gathering practices among popular platforms. It emphasizes the importance of parental awareness regarding the data collected and offers guidance on how to protect children’s privacy online while encouraging open discussions about data usage.