Children Online Privacy - Practical Tips for Parents and Teachers

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Back to Basics STEP 2
If children share or disclose their personal data casually, or if personal
data is disclosed without authorisation or consent, the personal data
may be misused to obtain gains, to cause them embarrassment or
harm, or to draw inferences about them which may be untrue or
damaging in the long run.
1 Privacy protection starting with self-help security
Many personal data breaches are caused by the lack of good security
practice on the part of users themselves. Parents and teachers are
also advised to read the leaflet Protecting Privacy – Using Computers
and the Internet Wisely2 with their children to understand more about
essential security measures when using online platforms/systems,
including how to protect their computers and smartphones, safe use
of Internet and Wi-Fi, protection of accounts and passwords, and
steps to take before disposal of equipment.
2 Be vigilant about digital footprints
Most people are conscious of protecting personal data such as
names, phone numbers, addresses, dates of birth, and more sensitive
data such as HK Identity card numbers, but may be less vigilant about
safeguarding other “indirect” or seemingly less sensitive personal data
– such as photos, schools attended, location trails, and data stored in
smartphones. We need to be aware, however, that when enough
indirect information is gathered, our identities may be ascertained by
others without our knowledge.
Parents and teachers should remind children not to rush to provide or
share information – even though the information appears to be indirect
or fragmented – when registering for a new service or using it. They
should be encouraged to consult their parents and teachers before
providing or sharing their personal data.
2 See